Clinical Pathology Course Handbook 2006-2009

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

ADDENBROOKE’S HOSPITAL
CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
COURSE HANDBOOK
FOR STUDENTS
2006 - 2009
Clinical Pathology Handbook
CONTENTS
THE COURSE .................................................................................................................................... 3

Aims.............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Help .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Lectures........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Tutorials........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Computer Based Learning (CBL) ............................................................................................................................... 5
Autopsy Room Demonstration Sessions ................................................................................................................... 6
Interactive Large Group Teaching.............................................................................................................................. 6
Changes in Timetables and Teaching Arrangements............................................................................................... 6
Recommended Reading ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Staff-Student Consultations ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Departmental Teaching Secretary.............................................................................................................................. 7
Examinations ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
How to Approach this Course ................................................................................................................................... 10
Learning Objectives................................................................................................................................................... 10
CURRICULUM IN HISTOPATHOLOGY ............................................................................................................................ 12

Cardiovascular System ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Respiratory System ................................................................................................................................................... 16
Lymphoreticular System............................................................................................................................................ 18
Alimentary System..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Liver, Biliary Tree and Pancreas .............................................................................................................................. 19
Renal System............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Female Genital Tract................................................................................................................................................. 21
Breast ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Male Genital Tract ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Endocrine System ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Nervous System ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
Locomotor System..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Multiple Systems........................................................................................................................................................ 25
Molecular Basis of Disease....................................................................................................................................... 26
CURRICULUM IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 27

Salt and Water….. ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
Potassium………… ................................................................................................................................................... 31
Renal Function…. ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
Calcium, Phosphate and Magnesium ...................................................................................................................... 32
Liver Function Tests .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Clinical Enzymology .................................................................................................................................................. 34
Serum Proteins… ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
Tests of Intestinal Function ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Tumour Markers and the Diagnostic Power of Biochemical Tests ........................................................................ 35
Pituitary and Adrenal Function ................................................................................................................................. 36
Thyroid Function…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..37
Pregnancy, Foetus, Neonate .................................................................................................................................... 39
Intensive Care…………………. ................................................................................................................................ 40
Acute Toxicology ....................................................................................................................................................... 40
Emergencies .............................................................................................................................................................. 41
Therapeutic Drugs Monitoring (tdm) ........................................................................................................................ 42
Inherited Disorders - inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) ........................................................................................ 42
Diabetes Mellitus ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
Acid Base ................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Lipids .......................................................................................................................................................................... 45
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Clinical Pathology Handbook
CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 46

Lectures...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Tutorials...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Curriculum in Medical Microbiology ......................................................................................................................... 47
CURRICULUM IN HAEMATOLOGY .................................................................................................................................. 50
CURRICULUM IN CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 54
CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL GENETICS...............................………….......…….........................................................55
EXAMPLES OF MPOQ EXAM QUESTIONS…………………………………………………………………………………
2
Clinical Pathology Handbook The Course
THE COURSE
Welcome to the Clinical Pathology Course. This course will allow you to build on your knowledge of the scientific
principles of disease (covered in the Part Ib Tripos Cambridge Pathology (Biology of Disease) Course or the
equivalent from other Medical Schools), and learn about specific diseases as they affect the major body systems.
Pathology in this course is taught in a variety of ways (covered in detail below). These include:
* formal lectures
* tutorial classes
* computer based learning (CBL) programs (many on Educational Resources Web [ERWeb])
* autopsy room teaching
* interactive large group teaching
* personal study.
The three major components, lectures, tutorials and CBL/personal study, form part of an integrated teaching
‘package’ and each plays an equally important role in the teaching programme. Different aspects of the subject are
covered during these various activities. Therefore, it should be appreciated that lectures do not completely cover the
core material of the course, such that some topics are covered only or mostly in tutorials or CBL, but not in lectures! It
is important that you attend each session if maximum benefit is to be derived from the course. It should also be
appreciated that the material covered in these sessions is not comprehensive and must be supplemented with
personal reading of textbooks and other recommended sources.
AIMS
The Course aims to present the pathological basis of diseases that are commonly seen in clinical practice,
and to demonstrate how clinical manifestations may be explained by the underlying pathological processes.
On successful completion of the Course the student will be able to:
* Describe the aetiology and pathogenesis of clinically important disease processes.
* Describe and interpret the basic macroscopic appearances characterising diseased organs & tissues and
understand the pathological processes that lead to these changes and how they relate to clinical signs &
symptoms.
* Explain the mechanisms by which clinical manifestations of diseases arise.
* State the principal complications and sequelae of disease processes.
* Appreciate how the application of pathological principles to the study of diseased tissue in the pathology
laboratory relates to patient management.
* Select appropriate pathological investigations for diagnosis, assessment of prognosis and monitoring of
common diseases.
* Understand and be able to interpret the results of pathological investigations in different patients, in health
and disease, both in diagnosis and in following treatment.
* Communicate an understanding of the role of autopsy in clinical audit, education and research.
* Understand the limitations of diagnostic investigations.
* Appreciate the transmission of microorganisms between the environment and living hosts, and how this
transmission may be reduced or prevented and how host defence mechanisms may be altered.
3
* Understand the principles of how common bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites cause disease,
and how these infections most commonly present.
* Know the common infectious causes of dysfunction of each of the body’s organ systems.
* Understand the principles of how best to use microbiological tests to make a diagnosis of infectious disease in
patients in and out of hospital.
* Be able to use common antimicrobial agents and other antimicrobial strategies effectively and efficiently.
* Understand the principles of how best to use chemical pathology tests to make a diagnosis of various
diseases in patients in and out of hospital.
* Understand the principles of how best to use immunological tests to make a diagnosis of immunological
diseases in patients in and out of hospital.
* Understand the pathophysiology and appreciate the clinical presentation of haematological disorders.
* Appreciate the haematological aspects of systemic disease.
* Develop a working knowledge of the use of haematological investigations and their clinical interpretation.
* Be able to appropriately manage patients with haematological disorders, in particular anaemia and the use of
anticoagulant therapy.
* Understand the transfusion process and ensure the safe and effective use of blood and blood products.
* Lay the basis for life-long learning of integrated clinico-pathological features of disease.
* Develop an evidence-based approach to the study of clinical pathology.
More general aims of the course are:
* to give you guidance in personal study

* to give you, through your tutors, advice about your personal progress, and offer you assistance and
encouragement if your progress is not satisfactory
* to give you practice in communicating verbally
* to provide you with channels for comment and criticism of all aspects of the course
The Course does NOT aim:
* to give complete coverage of all of systematic pathology (detailed learning objectives and/or tabulated core
curricula are set out below, and these spell out what you need to know and the appropriate level of detail of that
knowledge)
* to get you to memorise factual information which you do not understand, or which you could easily look up in a
book if you ever needed to know it
* to make you into a pathologist
* to make you into a nervous wreck
HELP
Your tutors (and the course organisers) will offer a sympathetic hearing to any student who is having academic or
other difficulties.
4
LECTURES
AIM: Lectures cover many, but not all, of the major pathological topics in the core curriculum.
Lectures will be delivered by members of the Departments of Histopathology, Medical Microbiology, Chemical
Pathology, Haematology, Clinical Immunology and Medical Genetics, who usually have a special interest and
expertise in the subjects covered. Some shared lectures will be given jointly by 2 or more members of these
departments. Lectures are not intended to give comprehensive coverage of each system, but will be used to direct
students towards the core knowledge. You will need to supplement lectures by reading the relevant sections of
recommended textbooks of Pathology. Handouts are generally given when standard textbooks are considered
inadequate and should not be regarded as substitutes for textbooks. Some of the lecture handouts and slides are
available on ERWeb.
TUTORIALS
AIM: Structured tutorials cover selected major topics from the core curriculum in a way designed to stimulate a
problem-solving approach sometimes using data interpretation questions and this approach is intended to
foster integration of pathological and clinical features of diseases.
You will be allocated to tutorial groups for various parts of the course. Tutorials will take place at various times set out
in the timetable and are held in either the Barrett Room (Level 1) or Seminar Rooms or Lecture Theatres in the
Clinical School Building (or occasionally in other locations according to availability). These structured tutorials are
designed to provide you with an opportunity for integration of pathological and clinical knowledge.
Tutorials include:
• clinico-pathological cases
• case problem-solving exercises (CPSE)
• data interpretation questions (DIQ)
• structured discussions of key pathological topics with your tutor and fellow students
Both clinico-pathological cases and case problem-solving exercises (CPSEs) will be used to illustrate important
pathological processes and their clinical manifestations. You must be prepared to actively participate in discussing
and providing answers for these cases and exercises in the tutorials. Each tutorial group is presented with the same
cases and problems which form the basis of the group discussions during the tutorial. A list of titles for these
sessions is given below. Whenever possible they will take place after the relevant lectures. You will gain maximum
benefit from these sessions by conscientious preparation beforehand, by reading the relevant lecture notes,
handouts, and textbook chapters. Active participation is essential for the success of these sessions!
COMPUTER BASED LEARNING (CBL)
AIM: Computer-based learning provides an opportunity for interactive learning, problem solving and self-
assessment.
A number of sessions (timetabled below) are devoted to the use of CBL resources, which include Computer Aided
Learning (CAL) programs and Internet sites (URLs provided). These teaching packages are available for use in the
Clinical School Computer Teaching Laboratory at other times during the working day, through Educational
Resources Web (ERWeb - a Web-based computer environment that is accessed using a browser, such as
Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer). This environment is structured to guide students to appropriate resources
available on computer. CBL resources have a number of purposes:
• Some CBLs provide interactive tutorials on important topics not covered in lectures (e.g. on certain aspects of
cervical neoplasia)
• Some CAL programs provide a straightforward introduction to a subject area (e.g. 'Edinburgh CALs')
5
• Other CBL elements are designed to supplement the other parts of the Course, and give you an opportunity for
interactive problem-solving
• Some CBLs include self-assessment questions (e.g. practice MPOQs, some Internet sites & CAL programs)
SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

Lecturers, tutors and CBL provide MCQs for examinations, including True/False Response Questions (TFRQs),one-
from-five multiple choice questions (1:5 MCQs) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQs), covering various aspects
of the course. A sample of these questions is available on ERWEB for self assessment by students and is similar in
style and content to those used in prize examinations, End of Attachment Assessment, and the Final MB
examination.
AUTOPSY ROOM TEACHING SESSIONS
AIMS: Autopsy room sessions provide you with an excellent opportunity to correlate gross pathological structural
changes at the organ and tissue level, with clinical observations and the natural history of disease.
These take place in the Mortuary / Post Mortem Room / Autopsy Suite on Level 1. You can arrange to attend these
teaching sessions on any morning on any day of the week (Monday to Friday) when you have available time that
morning and there is a suitable autopsy case being dissected that morning (phone the mortuary / autopsy suite on
3106 or 4549 to arrange this). Please note that only 1 or 2 students at a time can be accommodated each morning.
During these sessions, the findings of diseased organs and tissues from one or more autopsy cases will be
demonstrated and the relevant clinico-pathological correlations considered and discussed. You are strongly
encouraged to attend these sessions when possible.
INTERACTIVE LARGE GROUP TEACHING
Interactive large-group teaching sessions are used in Microbiology, Chemical Pathology and other disciplines, in
which the session leader selects individual students to interpret data to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions,
usually in a case-based teaching format. These may include use of ‘branching’ decision-based approaches.
CHANGES TO TIMETABLES OR TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS

Students should check for any last minute changes on ERWeb which lists the timetables.
RECOMMENDED READING
HISTOPATHOLOGY:
1. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease - (Kumar, Abbas & Fausto; 7th edition; WB Saunders, 2005),
th
(Price: £59.95) or Basic Pathology (Cotran, Kumar & Collins; 7 edition; WB Saunders, 2003) (Price £30ish)
th
2. General & Systematic Pathology (Underwood, Churchill Livingstone, 4 edition, 2004, Price: £37.95)
3. Pathology (Stevens & Lowe, Mosby, 2nd edition, 2000), (Price £33.95).
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY:
For other views of the information included in this part of the course (remember to check the Medical Microbiology
Core Curriculum for the local importance accorded to individual subjects):
1. For a mainly organism-based approach, summarising essential facts about microorganisms: “Lecture Notes on
Medical Microbiology” 3rd Ed. Elliot & Desselberger; Blackwell Science, 1997 (Price £14.95).
2. For a comprehensive, laboratory-based summary of bacteriology: "Notes on Medical Bacteriology" 5th ed.
Sleigh & Timbury; Churchill Livingstone, 1998 (Price £18.95)
3. For good diagrams, and an immunological approach: “Medical Microbiology” Mims, Playfair, Roitt, Wakelin &
Williams; Mosby, 1998 (Price £32.95).
4. For a bare-bones summary of virology: “Notes on Medical Virology” 11th ed. Timbury; Churchill Livingstone,
1997 (Price £13.95).
5. For a mixed organism-syndrome based approach, focussing on clinical management of patients and their
nd
specimens: “The Infectious Diseases Manual” Wilks, Farrington & Rubenstein; Blackwell Science, 2 edition,
2003 (Price £35).
6
For reference works, with the last word on:
1. Virology: “Fields’ Virology” 4th Ed. Fields, Knipe & Howley; Lippincott-Raven, 2001 (Price £265.00).
th
2. Antibiotics: “Antibiotic and Chemotherapy” 7 Ed. Lambert, O’Grady, Finch & Greenwood; Churchill
Livingstone, 1997 (Price £115.00).
th
3. All aspects: “Medical Microbiology” 16 Ed. Greenwood, Slack and Pentherer: Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY:
1. Clinical Chemistry in Diagnosis & Treatment, PD Mayne, Arnold, 1994, (Price £17.99).
2. Clinical Chemistry, WJ Marshall, Mosby, 2000 (Price £21.95).
3. Lecture Notes on Clinical Chemistry, LG Whitby et al, Blackwell Science, 1988 (Price £14.95).
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY:
1. Essentials of Clinical Immunology, Haeney, Chapel, Snowdon & Misbah, Blackwell Science, 1999,
(Price £24.95)
HAEMATOLOGY:
nd
1. ABC of Clinical Haematology, Drew Provan, 2 Ed, BMJ Books, 2002, (Price £17.00), ISBN - 0727916769
This is a good overview of haematology aimed at non-specialists, for example junior hospital doctors and GPs.
2. Essential Haematology, Editors Hoffbrand and Petit, 4th Ed, Blackwell Science, 2001, (Price £19.95)
ISBN - 0632051531. This is a good read but should be used as a reference text unless the student has a further
Interest in Haematology.
3. Practical Transfusion Medicine, Editors Murphy M, Pamphilon D, Blackwells 2001 ISBN - 0632051140.
4. Handbook of Transfusion Medicine, 3rd Ed, McClelland, HMSO Publishing, 2001 (Price £6.95),
ISBN – 0113224273. A vital handbook which serves as an excellent working book for all doctors involved in
transfusion.
5. Interactive Haematology Imagebank (with Self Assessment), CD ROM, BJ Bain, Blackwell Science, 1999 .
Handouts may be given where topics are not thought to be adequately covered in textbooks. Details of the
appropriate pages of these books for study are available through ERWeb. Reading packs on individual topics are
available in the library.
STAFF - STUDENT CONSULTATIONS

Channels of communication will be established between students’ representatives and the Histopathology
Department. Students will be asked to complete Feedback Questionnaires via ERWeb, in which all major
components of the Course will be assessed. This feedback is essential to improve all aspects of the course.
DEPARTMENTAL TEACHING SECRETARY
The Clinical Pathology Course secretary is based in the Division of Molecular Histopathology on Level 3 of the
Laboratory Block, tel. 01223 216743. Students who are experiencing difficulties in contacting their tutor out of normal
teaching times should contact the Secretary.
7
EXAMINATIONS
[I] PRIZE EXAMINATION:

A voluntary competitive examination for the Henry Roy Dean Prize will be held prior to the Final MB exam consisting of
a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) lasting one hour.
[II] FINAL MB EXAMINATIONS:

PART I PATHOLOGY FINAL MB
The Pathology Final MB examination will be held in June 2008 (resit in the following December). This will give
adequate time not only to allow appropriate further study, but also to appreciate the fundamental role of Pathology in
the practice of clinical medicine and integrate pathological knowledge with the clinical specialities.
Clinical Pathology includes several disciplines (Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics and
Histopathology) which may at first seem unrelated. These disciplines are covered in different lectures and in
separate textbooks, and whilst this compartmentalisation provides a logical way to study, sound medical practice
requires their integration within appropriate clinical contexts and the Pathology Final MB examination will specifically
test for integration.
This examination has three main components:

(a) Multiple choice questions; (b) Essay questions; (c) Practical/Data interpretation questions.
There is also a viva voce exam for selected candidates.
This examination will test core areas covered in the course including biochemical, haematological, immunological,
microbiological, genetic and histopathological topics. The relative ratios of questions covering these areas will broadly
reflect the time spent studying them in lectures and tutorials during the course.
(a) MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONNAIRE
AIM: To test understanding and knowledge of a very broad range of topics.
There is more than one question type: (i) true/false response questions (TFRQs) set as 5-part questions; (ii) one-
from-five multiple choice questions (1:5 MCQs) and; (iii) Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). This paper
contributes 33% of the total marks and lasts for 2 hours.
(b) ESSAY QUESTIONS
AIM: To test understanding and knowledge of pathological processes and core topics.
This component includes 7 compulsory essay questions. This component contributes 33% of the total marks and
lasts for 2 hours 20 minutes.
Students are required to demonstrate sound theoretical knowledge and understanding. There is no easy way to
acquire this knowledge other than by hard work. However, the examination should not prove a tremendous hurdle to
anyone who is reasonably diligent. It is important to be aware that the Clinical Pathology course is not totally
comprehensive and it is necessary to supplement lecture notes with further reading and appropriate texts are listed
above.
The questions in the essay question paper encompass all disciplines. Some questions encompass two or more
disciplines in an integrated way, but most are restricted to one discipline. A different examiner marks each question.
There are seven compulsory questions of equal weight and a close marking scheme is applied. Only 20 minutes
are available per question and thus a five-page essay is not expected. A succinct, well-structured account on one or
two pages is quite sufficient to gain a good or very good score.
8
DO NOT write out the question, it is a waste of time and the number is sufficient. DO STOP and THINK, make a plan
and write it down. Write LEGIBLY. Half a page that is legible (and accurate) will probably gain as many marks as
four pages that are almost indecipherable. Diagrams are usually helpful and can summarise a lot of data. This is a
test of understanding and knowledge, not a test of eloquence. Whilst credit is given to sentences, correct grammar
and spelling, the examiners are not deceived by waffle. When pressed for time, accurate short notes and clear
diagrams are acceptable and sufficient to secure a pass.
It is ESSENTIAL to attempt ALL the questions. In the marking system used, the barest facts may be awarded 1-2/10
and even a brilliant answer is unlikely to be awarded more than 8-9/10. Never be tempted to write excessively about
a favourite topic or avoid a question you do not like.
(c) PRACTICAL EXAM / DATA INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS
AIM: To test integration of understanding and knowledge of the basic clinical symptoms and signs, with pathological
processes and organ changes, and with microbiological, haematological, immunological and biochemical
data, by examining data interpretation and problem-solving skills in integrated clinico-pathological contexts.
The types of problem solving and data interpretation questions which will be used, are similar to those used during
the course and in revision tutorials. These relate to integrated clinico-pathological cases, which include case
histories, data from laboratory investigations (biochemical, haematological, microbiological, immunological or
histopathological) and macroscopical images of diseased organs or tissues. These are drawn from material used in
the lectures, tutorials or autopsy teaching sessions. The Final Practical Examination includes 10 Data Interpretation
Questions. This component contributes 33% of the total marks and lasts for 3 hours.
Although called the “Practical” examination, this is a written exam in which you will not be asked to perform any
laboratory procedures, or even to look down a microscope. This exam tests ability to apply your knowledge of
pathology in different clinical situations. House Officers are no longer called upon to examine urine or look at CSF
under the microscope at the bedside or side room, but they must be able to interpret quickly and act upon the results
of laboratory tests.
Each of the ten data interpretation questions is in a folder containing a brief, relevant case history, together with the
results of a few appropriate laboratory tests (e.g. U & E’s, full blood count, LFT’s, blood gases, microbiological or
serological data etc) and usually one or two good quality colour photographs of a named macroscopic surgical or
post-mortem specimen. For each case there will be four or five questions which can be answered briefly, but which
require interpretation of the data. All normal values are given. It is unnecessary to memorise these, but essential
to be well acquainted with the common tests in order to appreciate the degree of abnormality when a result is
abnormally high or low. No credit is given for writing that the sodium is low, potassium high, etc. – the examiners can
also read! Candidates are asked to suggest reasons for the abnormalities in the light of the clinical history and
photographs.
The best way to prepare is to take an interest in the patients clerked on various firms and to read and interpret their
laboratory reports. Students who have done this regularly romp through the ‘practical’ exam and actually enjoy it.
Students who have failed to grasp that pathology is not only lists of causes in textbooks, will find it much harder. The
post-mortem demonstrations provide opportunities to see macroscopic specimens and all photographs are taken
from autopsies or surgical specimens resected at Addenbrooke’s Hospital or other hospitals in the region.
(d) VIVA VOCE EXAM:
AIM: This has two separate aims: (1) to assess understanding of basic pathological processes and core topics in
students close to the pass mark in order to make pass/fail decisions; and (2) to award Distinctions to
appropriate students.
This exam component does not directly contribute to the total marks for most students, but is compulsory for students
at risk of failing the examination (students with marks less than the pass mark for the examination). The viva voce
exam will play an important role in making the pass/fail decision for those students who have not reached the
required standard. Students who have achieved a high standard in the written and practical papers will be invited to
attend for oral examination, in which they may have the opportunity to gain a Distinction Award. Students will be
9
required or requested to attend for oral examination at the discretion of the examiners. All students attending for oral
examination will usually have two 10-15 minute viva voce examination sessions covering all pathology disciplines.
In each viva voce examination session, the candidate will usually meet two or three examiners, one of whom will be
an external examiner and they will usually be questioned by at least two examiners. Different examiners have
different approaches, but in general it is better to admit ignorance and hope the examiner will move to a different
topic than to make wild guesses.
Students invariably face the viva with fear and trepidation and unsuccessful candidates are often convinced that a
poor viva performance is the sole reason for failure. This is never the case; students who have clearly failed the
three preceding parts cannot reasonably expect the results of three searching examinations (lasting over seven
hours) to be overturned. The viva is therefore of significance to the borderline candidate, who has perhaps failed one
part and who will be given the opportunity to redeem the situation and secure a pass, and to the outstanding
candidate who may be deemed worthy of distinction.
HOW TO APPROACH THIS COURSE
In the undergraduate (Part Ib Tripos or Biology of Disease or equivalent) Pathology course, you learned the basic
scientific principles of disease processes; in Clinical Pathology you will study specific diseases as they affect the
major systems of the body. Systemic Clinical Pathology is a vast subject, and in this course we aim to give emphasis
to disorders that are common and clinically important. We certainly do not intend to give comprehensive coverage of
the pathology of each system.
A good tip to start with is to revise the earlier work in General Principles of Pathology as soon as possible and at all
times try to apply it to the various systems as you work through them, as described above. Thus, when learning the
causes of gastritis, you might start with the causes of inflammation and consider which of these are important in the
case of the stomach.
The list of Systems Objectives and/or tabulated core curricula set out below should help you in your study of each
system. This information spells out for each system and discipline what you should have achieved on successful
completion of the course. You will find that many of the Systems Objectives are specifically covered in various parts
of the teaching course, but be warned that any part of this is considered “core” knowledge and therefore examinable.
If some Systems Objectives have not been specifically covered, it is up to you to do the necessary reading. Do not
underestimate the amount of background reading that you will need to do. Use the list of Systems Objectives and
tabulated core curricula as a guide for your revision for the Final MB Examination in Pathology, as these core topics
(described in the categories “in-depth knowledge” and “familiarity” in the tabulated curricula) are appropriate for
testing in the Examination.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Certain broad principles apply to the objectives relating to any given disease. You should be able to:
• define the common terms used to describe or name disease processes.
• describe the epidemiology and have a rough idea about how common a disease is. You do not need to learn
precise figures of disease incidence.
• describe the main aetiological factors and pathogenetic mechanisms, if known. You should also be able to state
if these are not known to medical science, but you should have some idea of the main theories which are
currently held.
• describe the main macroscopic morphological features of diseased organs and tissues, but the microscopic
features are expected only in a few appropriate diseases. By the end of the Pathology course in 2nd Year you
should already be able to work out the main gross changes you would expect in many diseases from first principles
and should not find yourself committing a lot to memory by rote. In certain tissues, such as liver and kidney, there
are other more specific changes in disease, but again you should be able to work these out from certain principles
which apply to these tissues. You should know how pathological mechanisms affect a patient and become
10
translated into clinical signs and symptoms.
• describe the clinical course of the disease and common complications.
• learn the disorders which are recognised precursors of certain well-defined clinical syndromes or entities
e.g., hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, haematemesis, coma.
You may refer to the accompanying chart for lists of topics to be covered in different degrees of detail for each
system.
11
Clinical Pathology Handbook Histopathology
CURRICULUM IN HISTOPATHOLOGY
Relative Heart Blood Vessels Pulmonary Gastro-Intestinal Tract

Importance
In-depth Ischaemic heart Atherosclerosis Pulmonary Epithelial tumours of large bowel
knowledge disease embolism
Aneurysms Malignant gastric tumours
Hypertensive heart Pneumonia
disease Hypertension Tuberculosis Peptic ulcer disease
"Heart Failure" Aortic dissection Lung Tumours Inflammatory bowel disease

Emphysema
Valvular heart Ischaemic bowel disease,
disease Asthma
Diverticular disease,
Endocarditis Chronic Bronchitis
Malabsorption
Oesophageal cancers
Familiarity Myocarditis Vasculitis Lung abscess Benign gastric tumours
Pericarditis PAN Occupational lung Achalasia

disease
Congenital heart WG Meckel's diverticulum.
disease Pleural tumours
Kaposi's sarcoma Gastro-intestinal infections
Pulmonary
Vascular Hypertension Carcinoid tumours
malformations
Hyaline membrane
disease
Adult respiratory
distress syndrome
Passing Cardiomyopathy Intestinal lymphomas,

knowledge
Heard of Tumours
12
Relative Liver, biliary tree Kidney & Bladder Musculo-skeletal Male urogenital Female genital
Importance & pancreas
In-depth Hepatitis Systemic disease Rheumatoid Prostatic carcinoma CIN and Cervical
knowledge affecting the kidney: arthritis: cancer
Cirrhosis Benign prostatic
hypertension Osteoarthritis hyperplasia. Endometrial
Gallstones diabetes hyperplasia &
Infectious Malignant testicular cancer
Alcoholic and drug SLE, arthropathy tumours.
induced liver Fibroids
disease Amyloid Metabolic bone
disease: Endometriosis.
Pancreatitis Pyelonephritis
Osteoporosis Ovarian tumours
Hepatic failure Renal cell
carcinoma Osteomalacia VIN
Primary and
secondary biliary Proteinuria Vulval cancer
cirrhosis
Haematuria
Portal hypertension
Chronic and acute
Liver cancer renal failure.
Pancreas cancer Glomerulo-nephritis
Familiarity Haemochromat- Developmental Seronegative Infections Vulval

osis, abnormalities of the spondyloarthro- dystrophies
renal tract. pathies Benign tumours.
Wilson's disease Vaginal tumours.
Interstitial nephritis Paget's disease, Developmental
-1-antitrypsin abnormalities of
deficiency Renal papillary Osteosarcoma, testis.
necrosis,
Sclerosing Bone tumours,
cholangitis Bladder and renal
stones, Gout,
Renal artery Pseudogout.

stenosis,
Diseases of
Reflux nephropathy. muscles
Passing Acute fatty liver Gestational

knowledge Trophoblast
disease
Heard of Veno-occlusive Haemolytic uraemic

disease syndrome Fallopian Tube
Tumours
Islet cell tumours of
pancreas
13
Relative Nervous System Reticulo- Paediatric and Tumours Breast Endocrine &
Importance endothelial system maternal pathology Other
In-depth Cerebrovascular Lymphadenopathy – Cystic fibrosis Lung Benign and
knowledge disease benign & malignant Colon malignant breast
Diseases of the Oesophagus disease
Trauma preterm infant Breast Graves' disease
Prostate
Multiple sclerosis Pre-eclampsia Kidney Hashimoto's
Bladder thyroiditis.
Raised intracranial Intrauterine growth Stomach
pressure. retardation Ovary/Uterus Thyroid tumours
Cervix
Dementia Vulva Diabetes Mellitus
Testis
Meningitis Melanoma AIDS and HIV
Pancreas
Abcess Liver
Thyroid
Familiarity CNS Tumours Hodgkin's disease Sudden infant death CNS tumours Hyperpara-
syndrome thyroidism
Degenerative brain Non-Hodgkin's Vagina
disease lymphomas Birth trauma Cushing's & Conn’s
diseases of Adrenal syndromes.
peripheral nerves Splenomegaly Hirshprung's disease
Common Addison's disease
CNS infections Paediatric solid hereditary
tumours. neoplasias (eg SLE
Encephalitis colon, breast)
PAN
Amyloidosis
Sarcoidosis
Passing Non-melanoma Mult. endocrine

knowledge skin tumours neoplasia.
Pituitary Organ trans-

plantation.
Iatrogenic disorders
Blistering skin
disease.
Heard of Neonatal hepatitis Salivary gland Radiation injury

Storage disorders
14
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Main topics: atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease, cardiac failure, hypertension, valvular disease, aneurysms
1. Vascular Disease:
Atherosclerosis
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and risk factors
- describe the distribution, macroscopic and microscopic features
- understand the effects on tissues
- describe the complications of atherosclerosis including vascular occlusion, thrombosis, embolism and aneurysm
formation
Hypertension
- be able to define hypertension
- understand the risk factor and pathogenetic mechanisms, and the relationship with atherosclerosis
- describe the effects on arteries and arterioles both macroscopic and microscopic
- describe the effects on end organs especially kidney and brain
- understand the effects on the heart
Diabetic vascular disease

- understand the aetiology and pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease
- understand the macro-angiopathy
- understand the relationship between diabetes and atherosclerosis
- describe the effects of microangiopathy on specific tissues including kidney, nerves, retina
Aneurysms
- be able to define aneurysms and give an aetiological classification
- understand the pathogenesis of different forms of aneurysms
- know the complications including thrombosis, embolism, and rupture
- describe the process of aortic dissection
Venous disorders
- define the terms deep venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis
- understand their risk factors, aetiology and pathogenesis
- have a clear understanding of their complications, including the various forms and outcomes of pulmonary
embolism
- define varices; understand the aetiology and pathogenesis
Vasculitis
- have a general knowledge of the range of types of vasculitis and their effects
2. Heart:
Ischaemic heart disease

- review the anatomy and blood supply to the heart
- be able to classify clinical forms of IHD
- understand the relationship with coronary atherosclerosis and its complications
- describe the incidence and risk factors
- recognise and describe the macroscopic sequence of changes in acute myocardial infarction
- list the possible complications of myocardial infarction; understand their
- pathogenesis; describe their possible outcomes
- be able to correlate pathological changes with clinical effects
- understand the concept of chronic myocardial ischaemia
15
Hypertensive heart disease

- understand the pathogenesis
- describe the macroscopic morphology of the myocardium in left ventricular hypertrophy
- understand the relationship with ischaemic heart disease
- understand the consequences of hypertensive heart disease
Cardiac failure
- define cardiac failure
- give an aetiological classification
- understand the pathophysiology of cardiac failure
- be able to discuss clinicopathological features of cardiac failure
- understand the differences between right sided and left sided cardiac failure
- understand adaptive changes in chronic cardiac failure
- describe effects on end organs of cardiac failure
- understand the causes of sudden cardiac death
Valvular disease
- be aware of the range of valvular heart disease
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis, morphology and sequelae of rheumatic carditis
- understand the importance of congenital valvular abnormalities and consequences
- understand the local and systemic effects and complications of infective endocarditis
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) myocarditis, pericarditis,
diagnosis of vasculitis, vascular malformations, congenital heart disease and drug-induced myocardial disease.
Students are only expected to be aware of the existence of cardiac tumours and cardiomyopathy (3 types), but
should appreciate the genetic basis of the disease.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Main topics: pneumonia, chronic obstructive airways disease, asthma, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, lung cancer,
mesothelioma
General
- understand the definition of respiratory failure, and describe the pathophysiology
- understand the pathogenesis and consequences of pulmonary oedema
- have an outline idea of the concepts of respiratory distress syndrome in adults and neonates
- be aware of the causes, mechanisms, & clinical effects of respiratory distress syndrome and its complications
Respiratory infections
- define pneumonia
- be able to define bronchitis and bronchiolitis and describe pathological and
- clinical features
- recognise and describe the macroscopic features of broncho-pneumonia, lobar pneumonia and interstitial
pneumonia, and understand their complications
- be aware of the causes, clinical effects and complications of lung abscess
Tuberculosis
- define primary and post-primary TB
- understand the role of the immune system in the sequence of events underlying the pathogenesis of TB
- recognise and describe the macroscopic and microscopic appearances in tuberculous infection
- describe the possible clinical effects
- list the possible complications of pulmonary TB, and understand their pathogenesis, including in the
immunocompromised host
- appreciate the clinical importance of drug-resistant strains of TB
16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

- understand the concept of fixed airway obstruction
- define chronic bronchitis (clinical definition)
- define emphysema
- be aware of the incidence and relationship of both
- describe aetiology, pathogenesis and risk factors of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- describe morphological features (macroscopic) of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- be aware of the different forms of emphysema
- understand the pathogenesis of small airway obstruction
- understand the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension in COPD
- understand the pathogenesis of cor pulmonale
Bronchial asthma
- understand the aetiology and pathogenesis
- be aware of the macroscopic and microscopic appearances
Pulmonary Embolism
- understand the relationship to deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
- understand the possible outcomes of pulmonary thrombo-embolism and their frequency
Lung Cancer
- be aware of the importance of lung tumours in clinical practice
- understand the aetiological importance of smoking, be aware of other risk factors
- give a simple histological classification, and understand its clinical importance
- describe the macroscopic features of lung tumours
- understand the clinical presentation and course of lung tumours
- describe the local and systemic complications of lung tumours, and understand their pathogenesis
- be aware of the importance of metastatic tumours in the lungs
- understand the importance and limitations of cytological and biopsy investigations in the diagnosis and
management of lung tumours
- appreciate the emerging molecular basis of lung tumours
- have knowledge of malignant mesothelioma, its causes, effects and sequelae
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) the following:
Interstitial Lung Disease

- define
- give an aetiological classification
- list the principal conditions giving rise to interstitial lung disease
- be aware of the distribution of disease within the lungs, and the implications for diagnosis
- describe the clinical effects and complications
Occupational Lung Disease

- be aware of the principal forms
- be aware of the morphology, clinical effects and outcome of the common types
Bronchiectasis
- define bronchiectasis
- be aware of the conditions which predispose
- understand the pathogenesis
- be aware of the clinical effects and complications
Cystic Fibrosis
- have knowledge of the pulmonary changes in paediatric Cystic Fibrosis
17
Pulmonary Hypertension
- be aware of the causes, and relationship to right heart disease
- define cor pulmonale; list the disorders which cause it; understand the pathophysiology and consequences
LYMPHORETICULAR SYSTEM
Main topics: benign lymphadenopathy, malignant lymphadenopathy
Benign Lymphadenopathy
- know the microarchitecture and normal function of lymph nodes and spleen
- be aware of the importance of lymph node enlargement as a clinical problem
- list the common causes of lymphadenopathy
Malignant lymphadenopathy
- be aware of the incidence and clinical importance of Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas
- have a general appreciation of what is the malignant cell in Hodgkin’s disease
- be aware that histological classification of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) is complex
- understand that NHL may be classified into broad categories according to prognosis and histological features
including architecture (diffuse or follicular), cell size and B or T cell type.
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) the broad principles of the Ann
Arbor staging system, the Rye classification of Hodgkin’s Disease and the REAL (Revised European and American
Lymphoma) classification of NHL, but full description of these classification systems is not required.
Students should be aware that extra nodal NHL occurs in various forms according to site (eg GI MALT lymphomas),
and understand their clinico-pathological features. Students should be aware of techniques used in lymphoma
diagnosis - immunohistology, DNA analysis, and karyotyping.
ALIMENTARY SYSTEM
Main topics: chronic gastritis; peptic ulceration; carcinoma of oesophagus and stomach; coeliac disease; ulcerative colitis and
Crohn’s disease; diverticular disease; colorectal cancer and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence
General
- be able to list the principal causes of gastro-intestinal haemorrhage
- be aware of the effects of ischaemia on the gastro-intestinal tract
- define the terms “diverticulum” , “fistula”, and “sinus”
Oesophagus
- have knowledge of hiatus hernia
- understand the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis and its possible consequences
- define Barrett’s oesophagus; describe the morphological changes; be aware of the metaplasia - dysplasia –
carcinoma sequence
- understand the clinical importance of oesophageal cancers (2 major types)
- be aware of the nature, causes and clinical consequences of the Mallory Weiss syndrome
- understand the pathogenesis of oesophageal varices; describe the macroscopic morphology and understand
their clinical importance
Stomach
- be aware of the range of aetiological agents producing acute & chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa
- give an aetiological classification of chronic gastritis
- understand what is known of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori, gastritis and peptic ulceration
- be aware of the incidence, natural history and clinical features of peptic ulceration
- recognise and describe the macroscopic morphology of acute and chronic peptic ulceration in stomach (and
duodenum)
18
- list the complications of peptic ulceration in stomach (and duodenum), and understand the pathogenesis
- understand the clinical importance of gastric adenocarcinoma and its prognosis
- recognise and describe the principal macroscopic types of gastric cancer
Small intestine
- understand the concept of malabsorption, and know the range of aetiologies
- recognise and describe the morphological changes of coeliac disease, and understand the role of biopsy in
diagnosis
- describe and recognise the morphology of acute ischaemia in the gastrointestinal tract
- be aware that tumours of the small intestine are uncommon
- be aware of the distribution of Crohn’s disease in the gastrointestinal tract
- recognise and describe the macroscopic morphology of Crohn’s disease of the small (and large) intestine
Large intestine
- understand the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- have a knowledge of the clinical importance, incidence and natural history of IBD
- be able to compare and contrast the macroscopic features of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- list the complications of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and understand their pathogenesis
- have a knowledge of bacterial and viral forms of colitis, including pseudomembranous colitis
- be aware of how ischaemia (acute and chronic) affects the large intestine, and be able to describe the
macroscopic morphology
- understand the epidemiology, pathophysiology and complications of diverticular disease
- define polyp; classify the principal polyps of the large intestine
- understand the clinical importance of tumours of the large intestine
- have a knowledge of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in the large intestine
- understand that some types of intestinal polyp are premalignant, and describe the factors associated with high
risk
- have an awareness of the genetic alterations associated with the adenoma-carcinoma sequence
- have an awareness of the inheritance, morphology and clinical implications of familial adenomatous polyposis
and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer
- describe the growth and spread of colorectal cancer understand the relationship between morphological
features, and clinical presentation and course
- be able to define the Dukes’ staging of colorectal cancer, and understand its clinical significance
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) the nature and clinical
significance of Meckel’s diverticulum, achalasia, benign gastric tumours, gastro-intestinal infections, the common anal
and perianal disorders of haemorrhoids, fistulae and anal warts; and be aware of the existence of anal squamous
carcinoma.
Students are expected only to have heard of intestinal lymphomas and carcinoid tumours.
LIVER, BILIARY TREE AND PANCREAS
Main topics: hepatitis; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; pancreatic carcinoma
General
- understand the normal microanatomy and function of the liver
- understand the methods of investigation of hepatobiliary disease, and the role of liver biopsy
- be aware of the range of aetiological agents capable of causing acute liver injury
Hepatitis (with virology)

- give a classification of viral agents capable of causing acute and chronic hepatitis
- describe the different forms of hepatitis which occur in infections by hepatitis viruses A, B, C and D
- understand the various clinical forms of hepatitis B virus infections, their pathogenesis and clinical outcomes
19
- be aware of the differing clinical outcomes of different forms of hepatitis

- understand the effects of alcohol on the liver
- describe and recognise the microscopic morphology of alcoholic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
- be able to define cirrhosis
- list the aetiological agents, and understand the pathogenesis
- recognise and describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology
- list the complications of cirrhosis including hepatic failure and portal hypertension; have a clear understanding of
their pathogenesis; describe their clinical features
- have a knowledge of the nature of primary biliary cirrhosis, and be able to distinguish it from biliary fibrosis
secondary to obstruction
Tumours
- be aware of the main forms of malignant liver tumours
- recognise the importance of metastatic tumours in the liver
Biliary System
- know the basic anatomy of the biliary tract
- understand the clinical importance of cholelithiasis
- understand the pathogenesis, clinical consequences and complications of cholelithiasis
- be aware of the clinical and pathological effects of biliary obstruction
Pancreas
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical consequences of acute pancreatitis
- be aware of the nature of chronic pancreatitis and its clinical features
- be aware of the clinico-pathological features of pancreatic carcinoma, and its mode of spread
- describe the clinical and pathological features of cystic fibrosis in relation to the pancreas
- understand the molecular basis and complications of cystic fibrosis
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) benign hepatic tumours,
haemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, alpha 1 - antitrypsin deficiency and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
RENAL SYSTEM
Main topics: renal failure; nephritis and nephrosis; tubular and interstitial disease; cancers of kidney & bladder
Kidney
- define acute renal failure and chronic renal failure
- list the common causes of acute renal failure and chronic renal failure
- understand the pathogenesis of acute and chronic renal failure
- be aware of the effects of diabetes, amyloidosis, SLE, vasculitides, and other systemic diseases on the kidney
- understand the close inter-relationship between systemic hypertension and renal disease
- be aware of the principal congenital and inherited disorders of the kidney with emphasis on polycystic kidney
disease.
Nephritis and nephrosis

- understand the role of circulating immune complexes, anti-GBM antibodies and in-situ immune complexes in the
pathogenesis of glomerular injury
- understand the importance and role of the principal mediators of tissue damage in immune disease of the kidney
- define nephrotic syndrome
- list the principal causes of nephrotic syndrome
- describe the clinical features of nephrotic syndrome
20
Tubulo-interstitial disorders
- understand the differences between glomerular disorders and tubulo-interstitial disorders
- be aware of the principal causes of acute tubular necrosis and the possible clinical manifestations and outcomes
- understand the pathogenesis and pathological features of acute and chronic interstitial nephritis, the possible
causes, and clinicopathological features
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinicopathological features of acute pyelonephritis
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinicopathological features of chronic pyelonephritis
- understand the aetiology and consequences of urinary tract obstruction and hydronephrosis
- understand the pathogenesis of calculus formation in the renal tract, and sequelae
Renal tumours
- have a knowledge of the common benign and malignant tumours of the kidney
- be aware of the clinico-pathological features of Wilm’s tumour, renal carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma of
renal pelvis
Bladder
- understand the effects of bladder calculi
- describe the morphology and clinical features of cystitis
- be aware of the importance of tumours of bladder (ureters and renal pelvis) in clinical practice
- be aware of risk factors for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
- describe the natural history of TCC and precursor lesions
- describe and recognise the morphology of TCC’s
- understand the importance of histological grading of TCC
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) renal papillary necrosis, renal
artery stenosis, and reflux nephropathy.
FEMALE GENITAL TRACT
Main topics: endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma; ovarian tumours; ectopic
pregnancy
Ovaries
- be aware of the various forms of non-neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian cysts
- recognise the clinical importance of ovarian tumours
- be able to give a simple histological classification of epithelial, sex cord-stromal and germ cell tumours
- describe the various modes of clinical presentation of ovarian tumours, and correlate with the pathological
features
- understand the mode of spread of ovarian cancer and its usual prognosis
- be aware of the clinical features of hormone-secreting ovarian tumours
Fallopian tubes
- be aware of the clinical importance of pelvic inflammatory disease and its effects on the Fallopian tubes
- understand the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and life-threatening complications of ectopic (tubal)
pregnancy
Uterus
- recognise the importance of endometrial biopsy in gynaecological investigation and management
- classify endometrial hyperplasia into simple, complex and atypical hyperplasias
- understand the clinical implications of the different types of hyperplasia
- have knowledge of clinical presentation and behaviour of endometrial carcinoma
- be aware of the clinical importance and nature of benign myometrial “fibroids”
Cervix
- understand the concept of the cervical transformation zone, and its changes at puberty and menopause
- have a detailed knowledge of the epidemiology, risk factors, aetiology and pathology of carcinoma of the cervix
21
- understand the concept of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and describe its natural history
- have an understanding of the role of human papillomavirus in CIN & carcinoma of the cervix including the
molecular interactions with cell cycle regulators
- describe the microscopic morphology of CIN
- understand the concept of microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix and its clinical significance
- recognise the importance of the cervical screening programme and understand its successes and failings
- appreciate the existence of cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN)
Vulva
- understand the concept of VIN and its progression to vulval cancer
General
- review the ovarian & endometrial cycles, and follicular maturation and ovulation
- be aware that diseases of the female genital tract include inflammation, neoplasia, hormonal disturbances and
complications of pregnancy
- understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis, its distribution, clinical effects and morphology in affected tissues
including ovaries
Vagina and vulva

- be aware that vaginal disorders are uncommon, with infection the commonest disease process
- be aware of the existence of vaginal intra-epithelial neoplasia (VAIN) and vaginal squamous carcinoma as an
uncommon malignancy
- be aware of the variety of skin disorders affecting the vulva
Placenta
- have an outline understanding of the various forms of gestational trophoblastic disease, including
hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma
BREAST
Main topics: benign breast lumps; carcinoma
- know the principal clinical features of breast disease

- be aware of the main diagnostic techniques
- have knowledge of inflammatory lesions affecting the breast
- be aware of the spectrum of degenerative, cystic, fibrotic and proliferative disorders comprising “benign breast
disease” (fibrocystic change/disease)
- be aware of the clinical features of fibroadenoma, and recognise its macroscopic morphology
- be aware of the existence of intraduct papilloma and its clinical presentation
- be aware of the size of the clinical problem of breast cancer
- have knowledge of the epidemiology of breast cancer
- have knowledge of the clinical presentation and effects of breast cancer
- describe and recognise the macroscopic morphology of breast cancer
- be aware of the simple classification of breast cancer into special and no special types and their different
patterns of behaviour
- be aware of the existence of pre-invasive forms of breast cancer (carcinoma in-situ), be able to define, and
understand the concepts
- be aware of Paget’s disease of the nipple and its implications
- be aware of the National Breast Screening Programme, its techniques, successes and failures
22
MALE GENITAL TRACT
Main topics: testicular tumours; prostatic carcimoma
Testis
- give a simple classification of testicular tumours
- have an outline knowledge of the clinical features, macroscopic morphology and mode of spread of the
common malignant tumours of the testis
- understand torsion and infection (eg Mumps) of the testis
Prostate
- be aware of the clinical importance of benign prostatic hyperplasia
- understand its clinical effects and complications
- be aware of the clinicopathological similarities and differences between benign prostatic hyperplasia and
prostatic carcinoma
- be aware of the clinical importance of prostatic carcinoma
- understand the concepts of latent and occult prostatic carcinoma
- be aware of methods of investigating and monitoring prostatic carcinoma
- have knowledge of the mode of spread, and pattern and type of metastasis
- have a basic knowledge of common infective and inflammatory disorders of testis, epididymis and spermatic
cord
- have an understanding of the effects and clinical implications of undescended testis
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Main topics: effects of increased and decreased hormone output; thyrotoxicosis; myxoedema; thyroid nodules, thyroid
tumours; diabetes mellitus
General
- understand the control mechanisms of hormonal secretion in the endocrine system
- understand the concepts of endocrine hyper- and hypoplasia, end organ effects, and neoplasia
- understand pituitary function as a model of endocrine control systems
- describe the endocrine consequences of functional and non-functional pituitary tumours
Endocrine pancreas/Diabetes Mellitus

- review the function of pancreatic islets
- understand the pathogenesis of type I and type II diabetes mellitus
- be aware of the pathogenesis of microangiopathic complications of diabetes
- have a knowledge of the multiple systems in which complications of diabetes occur including large and small
blood vessels, kidney, retina, nerves, skin, susceptibility to infection, and effects in pregnancy
Thyroid
- understand the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of the various forms of goitre
- be aware of the clinical features and underlying pathological conditions in hyperthyroidism
- be aware of the clinical features and underlying pathology in hypothyroidism
- be aware of the underlying immunological mechanisms in some forms of thyroid disease
- be aware of the presentation and investigation (scintiscan & FNA) of thyroid nodules and give a differential
diagnosis
- classify the important tumours of thyroid
- be aware of the different clinical behaviour of each type, including mode of spread and prognosis
23
- classify the various forms of thyroiditis and be aware of their possible clinical features
- be aware of the existence and clinical effects of islet cell tumours
- be aware of the existence of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes
Parathyroids
- review the role of parathyroids in regulation of serum calcium
- be aware of the causes of primary hyperparathyroidism, and its clinical and pathological consequences
- understand the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism, and the relationship with chronic renal disease
- be aware of the effects of hyperparathyroidism on bone metabolism and morphology
Adrenals
- review the function of the adrenal cortex
- know the various adrenal and extra-adrenal causes of adrenocortical hyper- and hypofunction and their
consequences
- understand the pathophysiology of Cushing’s syndrome, Conn’s syndrome and Addison’s disease
- be aware of the benign and malignant, functional and non-functional, primary and metastatic tumours which
occur in the adrenals
- understand the function of the adrenal medulla
- be aware of the existence of phaeochromocytoma as a rare cause of hypertension
NERVOUS SYSTEM & MUSCULAR DISEASE
Main topics: effects of intracranial expanding lesions; intracerebral haemorrhage; cerebral infarction; dementia; CNS infections;
meningitis
- review the vascular supply of the brain and skull, anatomy of meninges and circulation of CSF, gross neuro-
anatomy of the brain
- have a knowledge of the consequences of hypoxia in the CNS
- be aware of the causes and consequences of cerebral oedema
- list the important causes of increased intracranial pressure
- understand which types of intracranial space occupying lesions cause significant internal shifts, herniations and
secondary effects
- classify intracranial haemorrhage according to site, with understanding of the different pathogeneses
- be aware of the consequences of trauma involving CNS
- define “stroke” and be aware of its clinical presentation
- understand the differing pathogenesis of stroke due to haemorrhage, or due to infarction, and the concept of
systemic hypotension and infarction of watershed zones
- be aware of the relationship between systemic hypertension and intracerebral haemorrhage, and explain the
pathogenesis
- be aware of the effect of HIV infection in the CNS
- be aware of the range of opportunistic infections involving the CNS in AIDS and other immunodeficiency
disorders
- understand the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus
- be aware of the concept of demyelination
- have a knowledge of the principal clinical and pathological features of multiple sclerosis
- give a simple classification of CNS tumours
- be aware of the typical clinical features and outcome in CNS tumours
- be aware of the importance of metastatic tumour deposits in the CNS
- be aware of the size of the clinical problem of dementias
- have knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features and recognised causes of dementia
- be aware of the pathological mechanisms involved in spongiform encephalopathies
- have knowledge of the pathological changes and clinical features of Parkinson’s disease
- have knowledge of bacterial meningitis, its causes, effects and sequelae
- have knowledge of cerebral abscess, its causes, effects and sequelae
24
Students are only expected to be familiar with (but not possess detailed knowledge of) the following
- brain tumour classification

- have a general knowledge of other CNS infections and understand their pathogenesis and clinical effects
- have a general knowledge of degenerative brain diseases
- outline knowledge of peripheral nerve diseases
Muscular disease
- be aware of the pathogenesis and clinical features of myasthenia gravis
- know the existence of various forms of muscular dystrophy
- have a general knowledge of the range of other muscle diseases and their effects
LOCOMOTOR SYSTEM
Main topics: osteoporosis; metabolic bone disease; rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
Bone
- understand the dynamic processes of bone growth, ossification, healing of fractures and remodelling
- be aware of the principal reasons for failure of fracture healing
- understand the differences between osteomalacia and osteoporosis
- have a knowledge of the pathogenesis, clinical features and complications of osteomalacia and osteoporosis
- understand the pathogenesis of bone changes related to parathyroid disorders
- understand the concept and an outline of the pathogenesis of renal osteodystrophy
Joints
- know the main causes and complications of infective arthritis
- be aware of the clinical importance of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- describe the pathogenesis and clinical features of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- be aware of the systemic nature and extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid disease
- be able to contrast the pathology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Bone disease
- be aware of the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and complications of osteomyelitis
- have an outline understanding of the pathology and complications of Paget’s disease of bone
- know the general principles of bone tumour classification
- be aware of the clinical importance of osteosarcoma and recognise its macroscopic, radiological and
microscopic morphology
MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS):

- describe the pathogenesis.
- describe the effects on various tissues and organs and the clinical course.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Polyarteritis nodosa
Progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
Amyloidosis
Sarcoidosis
25
MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
- understand the genetic alterations associated with neoplasia of the cervix and large intestine
- understand the principles involved in transmission of hereditary disorders
- appreciate both the genetic and environmental contributions to multi-factorial diseases
26
Clinical Pathology Handbook Chemical Pathology
CURRICULUM IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY
Relative Acid-base balance Salt & water balance Potassium Renal Function
Importance
In-depth Sampling & Routes of intake & loss Body compartment Major pre-renal, renal
knowledge precautions for blood of salt & water. distribution & post-renal causes of
gas analysis Insensible loss renal failure
Relationship between
The [H+], pCO2 & Electrolytes & body [K+], [Na+] & [H+] Biochemistry of acute
[HCO3] buffer system compartments renal failure,
Renal & non-renal
Renal & respiratory Causes of hyper- & causes of abnormal Acute tubular necrosis
regulatory & hyponatraemia [K+]
compensatory Biochemistry of chronic
mechanisms Water excess & Causes of hyper- & renal failure
depletion hypokalaemia
Metabolic & respiratory Proteinuria
acidosis & alkalosis Renin/angiotensin/ Risks & treatment of
aldosterone system hyper- & hypokalaemia Clearance tests
Base excess
ADH system Major tests on urine
Familiarity Standard & actual 1o & 2o [K+] & drugs Normal renal
[HCO3-] hyperaldosteronaemia physiology
Principles & dangers of SIADH Nephrotic syndrome

therapy. Use of HCO3- Diabetes insipidus
therapy Tubular function tests
blood & urine
osmolarity Osmotic diureses
‘One nephron’
hypothesis
Anaemia of renal
failure
Passing Anion gap Osmolar gap Principles of dialysis.

knowledge
Hyper- & Role of transplantation
hypochloraemia
Aluminium in renal
failure
Heard of Atrial natriuretic Fanconi’s syndrome

peptides
27
Relative Calcium, phosphate, Liver & intestinal Serum proteins & Diabetes Mellitus
Importance magnesium function clinical enzymology
In-depth Intake & loss of Ca2+. Bilirubin metabolism. Causes & Hormonal control of
knowledge Albumin binding. Free Conjugated v consequences of glucose metabolism
ionised[ca2+] unconjugated hypoalbuminaemia
IDDM, NIDDM.
Physiology & role of Causes of Acute phase reaction. Complications &
PTH & Vit D hyperbilirubinaemia CRP glycaemic control
Causes, Hepatocellular damage Hypre & hypogamma- Biochemical diagnosis

consequences & & transaminases globulinaemia. & monitoring
treatment of hyper- & Myeloma.
hypocalcaemia Biliary obstruction & Para- proteinaemia. HBA1c
alkaline phosphatase Bence-Jones protein Microalbuminuria
Measurements of
[Ca 2+], [PO43-] & γ-Glutamyl transferase Clinical enzymology in Ketoacidosis. Non-
alkaline phosphatase myocardial infarction, ketotic hyperglycaemia
Albumin bone, muscle &
pancreatic disease Hypoglycaemia
Malabsorption
syndromes
Familiarity Algorithms of [ca 2+] Congenital Hypogamma- Metabolism of

correction hyperbilirubinaemia globulinaemia carbohydrates,
triglycerides, free fatty
Metabolic bone α1-antitrypsin, ferritin, Role of myoglobin & acids & ketone bodies
disease Cu2+, caeruloplasmin troponins in diagnosis
of myocardial infarction 2o causes of DM.
Hypercalcaemia of Digestion & absorption Gestational DM.
malignancy of protein, fat &
carbohydrate
Passing Hypophosphataemia Faecal fat, Schilling Enzyme activities v Lactic acidosis

knowledge test, 14C glycocholate concentrations
Mg2+ regulation & breath test, hydrogen Insulinoma
hypomagnesaemia breath test, α1-antitrypsin
pancreolauryl test deficiency Neonatal
Calcitonin hypoglycaemia
Ammonia
PTHRP MODY
Other markers of liver
disease
Heard of Pancreatic function & Cholinesterase Insulin, pro-insulin & C

intestinal permeability deficiency peptide measurements
tests.
28
Relative Pituitary & adrenal Thyroid Tumour markers Toxicology & TDM
Importance
In-depth Actions of pituitary & Production, regulation Sensitivity, specificity & Overdose of salicylate
knowledge adrenal hormones. & actions of thyroid diagnostic power of & paracetamol.
Negative feedback hormones tests Treatment
control
Common syndromes of Theoretical Common poisons
Diagnosis of common thyroid hormone requirements, practical
syndromes of excess & deficiency. limitations & clinical Common therapeutic
hormonal excess & Goitre use of tumour markers overdoses
deficiency
Interpretation & use of T1/2 of clearance of Principles of & criteria
Interpretation of thyroid function tests. biochemical markers for therapeutic drug
laboratory data Effects of anti-thyroid monitoring
drugs.
Familiarity Dynamic function tests Treatment of AFP, hCG, Ca125, Lithium

hypothyroidism Ca199, CEA, PSA
Hormonal changes Digoxin
during puberty, the Treatment of Paraproteins
nestrual cycle & thyrotoxicosis Antconvulsants
pregnancy hCG in ectopic
Iodine deficiency pregnancy Theophylline
Gonadal failure
Sick euthyroid Antenatal screening for Trough, peak & steady
Hypopituitarism syndrome neural tube defects & state drug
Down’s syndrome concentrations.
Thyroid tumours
Passing Diurnal rhythms, Neonatal screening for Ectopic hormone Iron, carbon monoxide,
knowledge pulsatility & T 1/2 of hypothyroidism. syndromes methanol, glycol
hormones. Changes in Thyroid hormone poisoning
disease states. levels in neonates
Aluminium treatment in
Acromegaly Thyroid antibodies renal patients
Congenital adrenal Thyroid function in Immuno-suppressants

hyperplasia pregnancy
Drugs of abuse
Phaeochromocytoma. MEN
Neuroblastoma Heavy metal poisoning
Polycystic ovary
syndrome
Androgen excess
Prolactinoma
Heard of Sheehan’s syndrome Forensic & legal

considerations
29
Relative Lipids Pregnancy, foetus & Inborn errors of Emergencies &

Importance neonate metabolism intensive care
In-depth Epidemiology & risk Physiological & Biochemical basis of Common presenting
knowledge factors biochemical changes IEM. Enzyme syndromes
in pregnancy deficiencies &
Hypercholesterolaemia metabolic blocks Fluid balance
Nutritional
Hypertriglyceridaemia requirements in Modes of presentation Respiratory & renal
pregnancy monitoring
Criteria for testing for
Screening tests in IEM
pregnancy
Principles of
investigation
Familiarity Metabolism of hCG in normal, failing IEM causes of Fallability of ‘stix’

triglycerides, & molar pregnancies neonatal disease. testing. Limitations of
cholesterol & Acidosis, organic blood glucose meters
lipoproteins. role of Neonatal jaundice aciduria, hyper-
lipoproteins ammonaemia & fatty Amylase & the acute
Neonatal monitoring acid oxidation defects. abdomen
Interpretation of Principles of treatment
laboratory data Pregnancy tests CSF tests
Cystic fibrosis
Composition of IV
Phenylketonuria fluids
Congenital Pulse oximetry

hypothyroidism
Paediatric problems
Thalassaemia
IEM causes of adult

diseases
Passing The pregnant diabetic Haemachromatosis Effects of age & illness

knowledge on biochemical tests
Neonatal Wilson’s disease
hypoglycaemia &
convulsions Porphyrias
Toxaemia
Heard of Obstetric cholestasis MCAD Effects of hypo &

hyperthermia on
Vit D deficiency Tay-Sachs biochemical tests
α1-Antitrypsin Tests for acute

deficiency porphyrias
Cystinuria
30
Chemical Pathology or Clinical Biochemistry arose because clinicians needed biological fluids to be chemically
analysed. It is of limited use in some areas of medicine but is essential in others for diagnosis and/or management.
The overall aim of this part of course is to teach the student:
- what constitutes a biochemical test
- what biochemical tests are appropriate in a given clinical situation
- what biochemical tests are not of any use in a given clinical situation
- how to interpret the results of biochemical tests
SALT AND WATER
Main topics: salt and water balance, sodium, water, aldosterone, ADH
Salt and water balance

- understand the major routes of loss and intake of salt and water, including insensible losses
- understand fluid balance measurements
- understand the distribution of electrolytes in the different compartments of the body
- understand the principles of intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy
Sodium
- understand the renin/angiotensin/aldosterone system
- note the atrial natriuretic peptides
- understand the major causes of hyponatraemia
- understand the consequences, and principles of treatment and of investigation, of hyponatraemia
- understand the major causes of hypernatraemia
- understand the consequences, principles of treatment and of investigation, of hypernatraemia
- understand the relationships between Na+ and K+/H+ metabolism
Water
- understand the ADH system
- understand the blood and urine measurements of osmolarity, osmolality and osmotic pressures
- understand the osmolar gap
- understand the major causes of fluid excess and depletion
- understand the consequences, principles of investigation and principles of treatment, of water excess and
depletion
Aldosterone
- understand the major causes, consequences, modes of clinical presentation, investigation, and therapy, of
primary and secondary hyperaldosteronaemia and hypoaldosteronaemia
ADH
- understand the major causes, consequences, modes of clinical presentation including SIADH and DI,
investigation, and therapy, of pathologically or inappropriately high or low circulating levels of ADH.
POTASSIUM
Major topics: hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, diuretics
- understand body compartment distribution

- understand the relationships between circulating [K+] and [Na+] and [H+]
31
- understand the major renal and non-renal causes of abnormalities of circulating [K+]
- understand the consequences, principles of investigation, and principles of treatment of hyper- and
hypokalaemia
- understand the relationships between circulating serum [K+] and diuretics
RENAL FUNCTION
Main topics: physiology, pathology, investigations, acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, nephrotic
syndrome
Physiology
- understand the normal function of the glomerulus, proximal and distal convoluted tubules, loop of Henle and
collecting duct
- understand the concept of osmotic diuresis
Pathology
- understand the major pre-renal, renal and post-renal causes of renal failure
- understand polyuria, oliguria and anuria
Investigations
- understand the clearance tests and the tests of tubular function
- understand the major biochemical tests on urine
Acute renal failure

- understand why circulating [H+], [K+], [urea], [creatinine], [urate] and [PO4] rise
- understand Na+ and H 20 metabolism in acute renal failure
- understand the natural history
- understand the principles of treatment
Chronic renal failure

- understand the major causes
- understand the natural history
- understand the ‘one nephron’ hypothesis
- understand the polyuria and the later oliguria
- understand why circulating [H+], [urea], [creatinine], [urate] and [PO4=] rise
- understand why circulating [K+] generally rises
- understand why circulating [Ca2+] falls, and understand the relationship between circulating [urea] and [PO4- ]
- understand Na+ metabolism
- understand the anaemia
- understand the principles of conservative treatment and of dialysis and related therapies.
- understand the monitoring of the effectiveness and complications of dialysis
- understand the role of transplantation
- understand aluminium
- Acute tubular necrosis - understand the natural history
- Nephrotic syndrome - understand the major causes, understand the consequences and natural history
- Fanconi’s syndrome - understand the major causes and natural history and diagnosis
CALCIUM, PHOSPHATE AND MAGNESIUM
Main topics: physiology, hypercalcaemia, hypocalcaemia, investigations, bone disease, treatment, hypophosphataemia,
magnesium
Physiology
- understand the sources of total body calcium intake and loss
- understand the binding of circulating calcium to albumin, free ionized calcium and the algorithms of correction
32
- understand the regulation of PTH release

- understand vitamin D metabolism, note calcitonin
- understand the hypercalcaemia of malignancy and understand parathyroid hormone-related protein [PTHRP]
Hypercalcaemia
- understand the clinical consequences
Hypocalcaemia
- understand the clinical consequences
Hypophosphataemia
- understand the major causes, consequences, and treatment Mg2+
- note the parallels with Ca2+ metabolism
- note the dangers of very low [Mg2+]
Investigations
- understand the role of serum measurement of [Ca2+][PO42–][PTH][Urea] [vitamin D] [alkaline phosphatase] and
the role of urine measurement of [Ca2+ ] and [PO42]
Treatment
- understand the relative role of the separate treatments for hypercalcaemia and hypocalcaemia
Bone disease
- understand osteomalacia, osteoporosis and Paget’s disease
LIVER FUNCTION TESTS
Main topics: Bilirubin, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, acute hepatocellular damage and
obstructive liver disease
Bilirubin
- Understand the mechanism of bilirubin formation and excretion
- Understand the consequences for the different circulating forms of bilirubin of excessive red cell destruction,
biliary obstruction and hepatocellular damage
- Be aware of the congenital disorders of bilirubin metabolism
Transaminases
- Know which enzymes are commonly measured to detect hepatocellular damage
- Be aware of the mode of release of cytoplasmic enzymes
Alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase

- Know which liver pathologies typically lead to an increase in the serum concentration of these enzymes
- Be aware of the mode of release of these enzymes.
Other markers
- Be aware of the changes in the serum concentrations of albumin, choline esterase, clotting factors,
immunoglobulins and ammonia which may accompany liver pathology.
33
Liver disease
- Know the typical pattern of serum changes in acute hepatocellular damage and obstructive liver disease
- Be aware of the use of the measurement of the serum concentrations of alpha one antitrypsin, ferritin copper
and caeruloplasmin in the diagnosis of liver disease
- Be aware of the relative sensitivity and specificity of gamma glutamyl transferase in the detection of alcoholic
liver disease.
CLINICAL ENZYMOLOGY
Main topics: Biochemistry, Myocardial infarction, Bone disease, Muscle disease, Pancreatic disease, Choline esterase
deficiency
Biochemistry
- Know the difference between activity and concentration.
- Know that enzyme assays are reported in activities and not concentrations and that the reported serum
concentrations are method dependent.
- Know which enzymes and isoenzymes are commonly measured
- Know the tissue distribution of the commonly measured enzymes
- Be aware of the sub-cellular location of the commonly measured enzymes
Myocardial infarction
- Know the typical pattern of the serum enzyme changes following an MI
- Know the improvement in specificities which the measurement of isoenzymes gives.
- Be aware of the use of myoglobin and Troponins T and I in the diagnosis of MI.
Bone disease
- Know which enzymes may be elevated in bone disease
Muscle disease
- Know which enzymes are elevated in muscle disease.
Pancreatic disease
- Know the typical pattern of the serum enzyme changes in acute pancreatitis.
Choline esterase deficiency

- Be aware of this condition, its cause and its consequences
SERUM PROTEINS
Main topics: Albumin, Acute phase reaction, Alpha one antitrypsin, Immunoglobulins
Albumin
- Know the importance of the method used for the measurement of albumin
- Know the causes and consequences of a low serum albumin
Acute phase reaction

- Know the function of the serum proteins which change in concentration during an acute phase reaction.
- Know the situation in which the measurement of acute phase proteins (particularly C reactive protein) may be
useful.
Alpha one antitrypsin

- Know the causes and the consequences of alpha one antitrypsin deficiency
34
Immunoglobulins
- Understand the difference between a polyclonal and monoclonal increase in immunoglobulins.
- Know the protein changes in serum and urine which are typically features of myeloma.
- Be aware of the causes and consequences of hypogammaglobulinaemia.
TESTS OF INTESTINAL FUNCTION
Main topics: Physiology, Malabsorption, Tests
Physiology
- Know how protein, fat and carbohydrate are normally digested.
- Know the sites of normal absorption of vitamins and digested protein, fat and carbohydrate
Malabsorption
- Know the causes of generalized malabsorbtion and isolated malabsorbtion of fat, B12 and disaccharides.
Tests
- Understand the basis for faecal fat estimation, the Schilling test, the 14C glychocholate breath test, the hydrogen
breath test and the pancreolauryl test.
- Know the serological tests for coeliac disease. Be aware of tests of pancreatic function and of intestinal
permeability.
TUMOUR MARKERS AND THE DIAGNOSTIC POWER OF BIOCHEMICAL TESTS
Main topics: sensitivity and specificity of biochemical tests, half-life of clearance of markers, the nature of tumour markers and
their uses and misuses
Objectives: Gaining knowledge and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of some common tumour
markers and from this, an appreciation that the same limitations apply to all diagnostic tests. Learning that ‘tumour
markers’ have clinical uses in non-malignant conditions.
Understand sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test

- understand this in the context of tumour markers and heart enzymes
- understand the importance of prevalence in determining diagnostic power of a test
- (differences and similarities between population screening compared to testing a patient group with a high prior
risk of the condition being tested for)
- understand how lack of sensitivity or specificity can produce a misleading ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ result and how
serious clinical consequences can follow from a naive interpretation
Know how to use the half-life of clearance of a biochemical marker

- be able to calculate and use the half-life of a marker in a clinical context (example of HCG levels in suspected
ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous abortion)
Understand the nature of tumour markers

- products of the normal genome and hence never completely specific for a tumour
- why a ‘cancer test’ as understood by lay people is unlikely to be found among current tumour markers
- the idea of a tumour marker defined by one or more monoclonal antibodies and that therefore that the results
may depend crucially on exactly which antibodies are used
Understand the practical requirements for a tumour marker

- sensitive - few false negatives
- specific - few false positives
- related to the burden of disease or mass of the tumour - the problem of determining the normal range and the
action limits for marker levels - clinically useful in that it helps diagnosis or treatment
Acquire a healthy scepticism about uses and misuses of current tumour markers
35
Gain an outline knowledge of the following tests in tumour and non-tumour contexts:
- AFP - use in liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, hepatoma, teratoma and testicular tumours; knowing that AFP is
normally very high in newborns; use of AFP in antenatal screening for neural tube defects and Down’s syndrome
- HCG - use in early pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy; use in antenatal screening for Downs syndrome; use in
testicular tumours and tumours of trophoblastic origin; distinction between intact and free beta HCG.
- ectopic hormone syndromes - ectopic meaning either inappropriate in place (site) or inappropriate in time
syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) - ectopic ACTH syndrome and its diagnosis
- myeloma proteins - their use and quantitation.
- Ca125 - use in ovarian tumours; non-tumour causes of raised Ca125 (ascites, endometriosis)
- Ca199 - use in pancreatic and gut tumours; non-tumour causes of raised Ca199 (cholangitis) – CEA - general
marker of very low specificity and sensitivity
- PSA - use in carcinoma of the prostate and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH); non-tumour causes of raised
PSA (prostatitis); use of PSA to illustrate the overlap in PSA levels between BPH and carcinoma; bound and
free PSA.
- hypercalcaemia of malignancy - PTH versus PTHRP, growth factors causing hypercalcaemia; alkaline
phosphatase and other markers of bone turnover
PITUITARY AND ADRENAL FUNCTION
Main topics: adrenal hormones, pituitary hormones, pituitary negative feed-back system, renin-aldosterone system, biorhythms
and dynamics of hormones, all the common syndromes of excess and deficiency of adrenal and pituitary hormones
Objectives: Gaining facility in understanding the use of the pituitary negative feedback system and the renin-
aldosterone system in diagnosing endocrine disorders; gaining knowledge and understanding of the biochemical
diagnosis of the main syndromes of deficiency and excess of pituitary and adrenal hormones and the use of the
relevant biochemical tests in monitoring these conditions.
Know about adrenal hormones

- the adrenal produces mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens and catecholamines
- know that the individual hormones and their synthetic analogues have difference mixtures of biological activities
Understand the pituitary negative feedback system

- be able to understand and manipulate data related to the negative feedback system to make clinical deductions
in a clinical context of endocrine disorders
Know about dynamic function tests (but not protocols):

- synacthen tests (long and short)
- dexamethasone suppression tests (overnight and two-stage) - stimulation tests to investigate the pituitary (ITT,
clonidine, glucagon)
Understand the renin-aldosterone system

- be able to understand and manipulate data related to the renin-aldosterone system to make diagnostic
deductions in a clinical context of endocrine disorders
- primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)
- secondary hyperaldosteronism - the renin-aldosterone system in ACTH deficiency
Understand biorhythms and dynamics of hormones in outline

- pulsatility of hormones
- diurnal rhythms
- effect of pathological changes, e.g. tumours, on pulsatility and hence bioactivity
- half-lives of hormones and the consequences for interpreation of their levels
- outline knowledge of the biorhythms of: ACTH, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHAS, TSH, T3, T4, prolactin,
growth hormone, FSH and LH, oestradiol, testosterone, HCG
- the changes in levels during the menstrual cycle.
- the differences which occur in a cycle during which conception occurs.
- the changes in hormone levels which occur as pregnancy progresses
36
Understand the concepts of ‘stress’ and hormonal response to stress.

- the hormones which respond to ‘stress’ (ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin)
- different kinds of ‘stress’; the kind which affects these hormones is not exactly definable
Know about the common syndromes of deficiency and excess in detail:

- adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s) - primary adrenal failure, pluriglandular syndrome, hypoadrenalism due to
pituitary failure and its compensation by the intact renin-aldosterone system.
- excess of adrenal hormones Cushings syndrome: adrenal tumours, pituitary Cushing’s, ectopic ACTH
syndrome; Conn’s syndrome
- excess of growth hormone - acromegaly, interpretation of growth hormone levels in diagnosis; use of GTT with
growth hormone assay as a confirmatory test; use of IGF1 and IGFBP3
- deficiency of growth hormone - methods of screening children and adults for growth hormone deficiency;
confirmatory tests including clonidine (children), insulin tolerance test, glucagon test.
- prolactin excess- prolactinoma; other factors which raise prolactin hypothyroidism, phenothiazines pregnancy,
lactation prolactin deficiency - Sheehan’s syndrome
- FSH and LH ‘excess’- revise the changes of hormone levels in the normal menstrual cycle - revise the changes
of hormone levels in the menopause - know that primary gonadal failure is marked by raised FSH and LH -
understand that the effect of primary gonadal failure in children is only manifested as raised FSH and LH after
the time for puberty has arrived - know a little about polycystic ovary syndrome - the effect of excess FSH and
LH (hyper stimulation of ovulation) in causing multiple ovulation - be aware that tumours secreting FSH and or
LH occur but are very rare indeed
- FSH and LH deficiency - hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism - reversible hypothalamic effects causing
hypogonadism such as occur in low body weight – hypopituitarism - know that in progressive pituitary disorders,
the order in which hormone systems are ablated is usually: first FSH, LH and GH; last TSH and ACTH -
understand how LHRH-analogues cause hypogonadism
- oestrogen deficiency states and the effect on bone turnover - tachyphylaxis in HRT - androgen excess, its
causes and diagnosis
- catecholamine excess in phaeochromocytoma and neuroblastoma
Know about congenital adrenal hyperplasia (in outline only):

- a compound heterozygote condition and hence variable expression - an enzyme defect causing cortisol
deficiency which is compensated for by high ACTH in turn causing adrenal hyperplasia and excess of other
steroids such as androgens
- 21-hydroxylase defect is by far the commonest type - presentation and diagnosis of the acute ‘classical’ form
- presentation and diagnosis of the ‘non-classical’ or late onset form; - diagnosis by measuring 17 hydroxy
progesterone
- methods of monitoring of replacement therapy
THYROID FUNCTION
Main topics: thyroid hormones and TSH, pituitary negative feed-back system, synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones,
effects of antithyroid drugs, thyroid failure, hyperthyroidism, thyroid antibodies, thyroid function in pregnancy,
binding of thyroid hormones to serum proteins, iodine deficiency, sick euthyroid syndrome, thyroid hormone
replacement therapy, treatment of hyperthyroidism
Objectives: Gaining facility in understanding the use of the pituitary negative feedback system in the context of
thyroid function. Know about the different causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Know the scientific and
medical issues underlying diagnosis and management of thyroid disease. Know how to interpret thyroid function
tests in various clinical contexts.
Know about thyroid hormones and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone, thyrotrophin)
- thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), reverse T3
- know that TSH is pulsatile and has diurnal rhythm.
- know the main thyroid biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and the effect on them of: TSH, odine, antithyroid
drugs (PTU and carbimazole), TSH-receptor stimulating antibody
- know about the differences in thyroid hormone levels in newborns
37
Understand the pituitary negative feedback system

- be able to understand and manipulate data related to the negative feedback system to make clinical deductions
in a clinical context of thyroid disorders
Understand peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 or reverse T3

- factors which affect peripheral conversion (fasting and illness, drugs (PTU and amiodarone); TSH is not a factor
affecting peripheral conversion
Know the main causes of and use of diagnostic tests in thyroid failure
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- pluriglandular syndrome - treatment of thyrotoxicosis - dyshormonogenesis (in outline only)
- interpretation of TSH levels
- interpretation of T4 and T3 (Free T4 and Free T3) levels
- pituitary failure and the interpretation of T4 and TSH levels in hypopituitarism
- use of TRH test
- neonatal hypothyroidism
Know the main causes of and use of diagnostic tests in hyperthyroidism

- Grave’s disease - nodular and multi-nodular goitre - viral thyroiditis
- interpretation of TSH levels
- interpretation of T4 and T3 (Free T4 and Free T3) levels
- use of TRH test - thyrotropinoma
- hypercalcaemia of thyrotoxicosis
- neonatal thyrotoxicosis
Know about TSH-receptor stimulating antibodies (TRAB)

- be aware of the multiple names used: LATS, TBII, TRAB etc - be aware of the difficulty and multiple methods of
measuring TRAB (not in detail) - use of TRAB in predicting the occurrence of neonatal thyrotoxicosis
Thyroid function and dysfunction in pregnancy

- pregnancy-associated hyperthyroidism - post-partum thyroiditis
- neonatal thyrotoxicosis
Know about diagnostic thyroid antibodies

- Thyroid Peroxidase antibody (TPO, also known as thyroid microsomal antibody)
- thyroglobulin antibody
- know that positive TPO together with mildly raised TSH predicts future thyroid failure
Know the nature and prognosis of thyroid tumours

- use of thyroglobulin as a tumour marker
- ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ nodules
Understand the nature of binding of thyroid hormones to serum proteins;

- serum free T4 and free T3 and the difference between total T4 and free T4
- binding of T4 and T3 to Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG), albumin and prealbumin the factors which affect TBG
levels
- understand that the practice of use of tests of thyroid function varies from country to country.
- use of ‘T3-uptake’ tests
- the effect of drugs which bind to TBG displacing T4 (phenytoin, salicylate, NSAIDs)
Know about iodine deficiency in a world-wide context

- World – Europe – UK - the consequences for population and individual thyroid pathology - know where
iodine comes from in the UK diet;
- know that Grave’s disease causes iodine deficiency and hence the mechanism of T3 toxicosis - know the effect
of supplying iodine to someone with Grave’s Disease (Jod-Basedow effect) - effects of amiodarone on thyroid
function.
38
Understand sick euthyroid syndrome

- the effects of fasting and illness on thyroid hormones - the effect of raised serum lipase and free fatty acids on
free T4 levels
- understand why thyroid function tests can be misleading in ill or fasting patients
Understand screening for thyroid disease

- know the approximate prevalences at different ages - strengths and weaknesses of the strategies of use of
thyroid function tests - know how to manage a patient with a borderline raised or borderline low TSH
Understand thyroid hormone replacement therapy

- consequences of giving thyroxine in patients with hypoadrenalism
- need to start on a low dose and increase the dose slowly - the need to avoid too frequent biochemical testing -
the potential consequences of over or under-treating hypothyroidism - how to interpret thyroid function tests in
patients taking replacement therapy
Understand methods and monitoring of treatment of thyrotoxicosis

- antithyroid drugs (carbimazole, propylthiourea) - radio-iodine - surgery
- the more rapid rate of change in T3 than T4 because of T3’s shorter half-life - the refractory nature of a
suppressed TSH
- detecting recurrence of hyperthyroidism
- detecting over-treatment resulting in hypothyroidism - the effects of hyperthyroidism on bone
PREGNANCY, FOETUS, NEONATE
Main topics: modified physiology; diabetes; screening of mother, foetus, and neonate; acute neonatal illness; prolonged
jaundice
Physiological resetting in normal pregnancy

- understand the fluid dilutional and renal changes and their consequences
- understand the various risks of haematinic deficiency for mother and foetus
- understand early and later effects of micronutrient deficiencies, and of gross nutritional deficiencies
- note endocrine effects on proteins and protein-bound substances in serum
- know about effects of age and pregnancy on alkaline phosphatase
- know about HCG assays in normal, failing, and molar pregnancies
Be familiar with conventional criteria for Screening Tests, and:

- understand the reasons and techniques for diabetes mellitus screening
- understand the significance and current procedures for Downs’ screening
- understand selective screening of at-risk families and sub-populations
- understand the national /east anglian neonatal screening programme, and the main disorders being tested for
- note testing and management of rhesus D+ haemolytic disease
Medical problems - the mother

- understand the importance of diabetes monitoring in pregnancy
- understand the effects of vitamin D deficiency on mother and on foetus
- understand the use of lab tests in toxaemia and related disorders
- know about itching and obstetric cholestasis, and other liver disorders
Medical problems - the neonate

- understand the use of early investigation of minimal symptomatology
- understand the tests for hypoglycaemia and other causes of convulsions
- understand the monitoring of respiratory and other major illnesses
- note tests for organic acidurias and other acute inherited disorders
- note the main differential diagnoses and important investigations in a baby with prolonged jaundice
39
INTENSIVE CARE
Main topics: good liaison; monitoring of ventilation, of fluid balance and of renal function; routine lab tests; tests with problems
for ICU patients
Good liaison between ICU staff and support services, and timely lab results.
Know about respiratory monitoring at the bedside

- understand pulse oximetry and arterial gases/acid-base
- know about training, and monitoring the quality of bedside procedures
- know about lactate, renal, septicaemic, glycol-induced, and other acidoses
Know that the fluid balance is charted in detail as it happens

- understand how clinical problems are solved and antipated in this way
- understand how a detailed sodium balance can help in diagnosis and care
- know effects of age, renal impairment, other organs, and of treatment
- note that blood products equal saline, and dextrose is water, if given iv
ICU renal monitoring relies on creatinine clearance (despite disadvantages)
- understand the effects on serum urea and creatinine of age, nutrition, organ function, and muscle wasting during
prolonged acute illness
- understand the diagnostic use of urine tests in acute oliguria
- note use and limitations of tests for rhabdomyolysis
- note “stix” screening is fallible in ICU patients and needs lab confirmation
Be aware that routine lab monitoring may give problems:

- understand that a low serum albumin means an acute phase reaction, but does not reflect nutrition or synthesis
- know about “corrected” calcium, and that other metals behave similarly
- note effects of tissue damage, drugs, or hypothermia on serum enzymes
- know that serum phosphate falls on iv glucose, especially in alcoholics
- note methods and results vary between labs for albumin and enzymes
- avoid thyroid testing, if possible, until a patient is well and recuperated
ACUTE TOXICOLOGY
Main topics: overdoses – salicylate, paracetamol and common poisons; therapeutic overdose; drugs of addiction, forensic
issues, rare poisons
Assays in possible overdose patients only if a result may alter treatment given
- understand relevant epidemiologico-social aspects, assay if in doubt
- understand the metabolic effects of different serum salicylate levels
- know about principles, pros, and cons of forced alkaline diuresis
- be aware of the metabolic basis of paracetamol toxicity and antidote
- know the use of a timed assay for the predictive graph in the BNF and the effects of chronic factors increasing
paracetamol risk
- understand the use of urgent assays in potential iron, carbon monoxide, methanol, or glycol poisoning
- be aware of the use of different measurements of ethanol excess
Serum assays are routinely crucial for a few causes of iatrogenic toxicity:
- assay lithium if in doubt, always if unwell or if any fluid disturbance
- understand careful digoxin use and assays in susceptible patients, and the use and limitations of its
immunological antidote
- note reasons for monitoring aluminium in a few renal patients
Addiction patients may present in many medical ways, or psychiatric, or social

- be aware of effects of honesty & compliance on samples and assays
- be aware of limitations of screening tests including stix tests
40
- be aware of common drugs of abuse, also solvents, and sports doping

- understand the causes and effects of hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis
Assays for possible forensic or legal evidence are planned before taking samples:
- know about chain of custody; assay methods differ from routine lab
- be aware of consent difficulties, and that a non-consenting live patient can now be over-ridden only on the order
of a Judge
A few rarer causes of poisoning must not be overlooked, and are easily tested:
- be aware of lead, mercury, cadmium as occupational and other risks
- note organophosphates need red-cell enzyme assay
- note “herbal” drugs may contain steroids, oestrogens, or metals
- remember arsenic, thallium, etc in the rarest mystery patient
EMERGENCIES
Main topics: plan for emergencies; illness and age affect investigations; acute abdomen; diabetes mellitus; neuro and muscular
problems
Be prepared what to do and when; know local arrangements for agreed protocols, data transmission, and specimen
transport
- understand times and temperatures needed to sample unstable analytes
- understand the need for training & quality testing in bedside procedures
- note differing analytical methods and reference ranges between labs
- know the importance of using full correct patient identity
- distinguish urgent taking of samples from urgent need for analysis
Effects of a patient’s age and illness on lab testing:

- understand acute phase effects - low albumin, high glycoproteins eg CRP; calcium may be “correctable”, other
albumin-bound tests are also low
- understand common presenting syndromes due to abnormal fluids, salts, and diet; also sick euthyroid
syndrome; all these commoner in elderly
- understand children need faster investigation and consequent action; also collecting pre-treatment or pre-
mortem inborn error samples
Acute problems in patients with diabetes mellitus:

- know limitations of blood glucose meters; confirm extreme results
- understand how to diagnose ketoacidosis, how to monitor treatment, and the pros & cons of bicarbonate
administration
- understand acute syndromes of non-ketotic and of lactate acidosis
Acute abdomen syndromes

- understand the use of routine urine and blood tests
- use the local lab’s criteria, not textbook data, to interpret serum amylase
- note local protocols for cardiac markers and pre-treatment tests
- note occasional value of tests for pregnancy and for acute porphyrias
Know how to manage acute neuro and muscular problems

- understand the role of cerebrospinal fluid studies
- be aware hypothermia may affect enzymes and other metabolism
- be aware of the various causes and effects of acute hyperthermia
- know about inherited and acquired cholinesterase deficiencies
- understand the wider and faster investigation of undiagnosed sick babies
41
THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING (tdm)
Main topics: basis of tdm and criteria for use; drugs monitored routinely
Basis for monitoring therapy in clinical practice

- understand in principle the reasons for monitoring therapy, the factors underlying variability in drug levels, and
criteria to be satisfied for tdm
- note that tdm is only needed in practice for a very few drugs in the BNF
- understand what steady state, trough, peak & other measurements are, and the reasons why particular drugs
differ as to which of these we use
- be aware of other factors affecting interpretation in sick patients, and the importance of monitoring these to
assist tdm decisions
- note the use of a random assay during iv therapy of acute symptoms
Main examples of drugs monitored routinely

- antibiotic levels: understand why both peak and trough may be crucial digoxin: note handling in different
patients is affected by other factors which requiring monitoring eg renal, electrolytes, drugs, and body-size
- lithium: be aware how Li is routinely managed, and its chronic effects, also why acute symptoms or fluid
disturbances are urgent problems
- antiepileptic drugs: know why and how tdm is useful for only 3 of these
- cyclosporin etc: know about the use of tdm, also what factors affect interpretation such as which organs are
transplanted or abnormal
- theophylline: note how assays are used in seriously ill patients
INHERITED DISORDERS - inborn errors of metabolism (IEM)
Main topics: metabolic effects of IEM; diagnostic approach; screening for IEM; the sick infant; older children; some adult
problems and IEM
NB: be aware in particular of those IEM emphasised in the clinical student texts
Appreciate the biochemical basis of a patient’s symptoms and management

- understand how abnormal genes affect protein structure and synthesis
- understand the different modes of inheritance of abnormal genes, and the importance of a careful family history
- understand how a deficient enzyme blocks a metabolic pathway, modifies amounts of precursors, products, and
minor-pathway metabolites, and how abnormal concentrations of metabolites can lead to clinical effects
It is
important to test for IEM in certain situations:
- unexplained abnormalities in routine tests, e.g. in sick infants
- presentation at an unusual age, e.g. cataracts, thrombi, calculi
- exclude rarer causes of e.g. neonatal jaundice, rickets, emphysema, serious liver disease, recurrent infections,
acute abdomen
- bizarre features, e.g. odd appearance, funny smell, coloured urine
- abnormal development, or regression
- relatives at risk from e.g. cholesterol, scoline, porphyria, etc
Principles of investigation:
- screen metabolites, test enzyme if known, confirm by DNA ideally, using methods which distinguish affected,
carrier, and normal persons
- note the growing possibilities of primary DNA testing
- samples may include blood and urine, cells in blood, or fibroblasts
- note methods by which the above is applicable during pregnancy, with limited foetal access but to a wider range
of tissues
- important to get pretreatment or perimortem samples in the very ill
- if a risk is diagnosed, mark the notes, discuss card or bracelet for patient
42
Be aware of the conventional list of criteria for an ideal Screening Test

- know about such terms as sensitivity, specificity, and reference ranges
- be aware of the national and east anglian neonatal screening programme
- understand the metabolic basis, consequences untreated, and preventive care of phenylketonuria and of
congenital hypothyroidism patients
- note the biochemical basis of cystic fibrosis, its diagnosis, and care
- be aware of screening programmes for subpopulations at risk of an IEM, eg for thalassaemia, and for Tay-Sachs
disease
- note feasibility of CAH, MCAD, and other IEM in neonatal programmes
Include IEM in the differential diagnosis of significant neonatal symptoms such as hypoglycaemia, vomiting,
diarrhoea, failure to thrive, haemolysis, or just ill
- be aware why many IEM of amino acids, vitamins, and near pathways may present with acidosis, organic
aciduria, or hyperammonaemia & fatty acid oxidation defects eg MCAD (an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase)
- note the diagnosis and care of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- note the investigation of prolonged neonatal jaundice
During childhood
- consider recurrent illness as possible IEM, plan list of tests for next time
- be proactive with odd symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment
- parents may be very aware of IEM and armed with internet data
- offer counselling regarding further pregnancies as soon as possible
In general adult medicine

- important IEM can present, eg haemachromatosis, Wilson’s disease, hypercholesterolaemia, antitrypsin
deficiency, cystinuria, porphyrias, multiple endocrine neoplasias
- the lab can help and advise you how to investigate
- be ready to suspect an acute porphyria with relevant acute symptoms, investigate appropriately; suspect and
test possible skin porphyrias; be aware of skin-plus-acute porphyrias, also acquired porphyria
- inherited homocystinurias differ from acquired hyperhomocystinaemia
DIABETES MELLITUS
Main topics: Insulin, OGTT, HbA1c, ketoacidosis, hypoglycaemia
Physiology
- understand normal carbohydrate metabolism
- understand production and action of insulin
- understand actions of glucagon, adrenaline, growth hormone, cortisol
- understand hormonal control of glucose metabolism and its relationship to the metabolism of triglycerides, free
fatty acids and ketone bodies
Diabetes
- understand aetiology and clinical features of IDDM, NIDDM
- understand the secondary causes of diabetes
- understand diabetic complications and relationships to glycaemic control
- understand gestational diabetes
- note MODY
Biochemical diagnosis and monitoring

- appreciate significance of hyperglycaemia and glycosuria
- know WHO criteria for diagnosis using OGTT
- understand difference between frank diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance
- understand importance of correct sampling (fluoride-oxalate v. serum)
- appreciate common artefacts (drip arm, old samples)
- understand blood/urine monitoring using ‘stix’, glucocmeters
43
- understand HbA1c and microalbuminuria

- appreciate the place of insulin, proinsulin and C peptide measurements
- understand non-diabetic causes of glycosuria
Ketoacidosis
- understand pathophysiology
- understand clinical and biochemical features
- understand biochemical responses to treatment
- understand in particular the role of [K+], [HCO3- and water balance in the diagnosis and therapy
Hyperosmolar, non-ketotic hyperglycaemia

- understand pathophysiology
- understand clinical and biochemical features
- understand biochemical responses to treatment
Lactic acidosis
- be aware of historical association with biguanides
- understand the non-diabetic causes
Hypoglycaemia
- know clinical features
- appreciate differences between reactive and fasting hypoglycaemia
- understand relationships to insulin and sulphonylureas
- be aware of PHHI (persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy), insulinoma and other endocrine
causes and their diagnosis
- understand neonatal hypoglycaemia and its causes
ACID BASE BALANCE
Main topics: blood gases, metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory alkalosis, compensation,
therapy
Blood gases
- understand how the sample is taken and the major precautions
- understand the parameters reported, including [H+] and pH, pCO2, total CO2, standard [HCO3- ], actual [HCO3-]
and base excess.
- understand the CO2/HCO3-buffer system
- understand the mechanisms of renal regulation of [H+]
- understand the mechanism of respiratory regulation of [H+]
Metabolic acidosis
- understand the major causes including lactic acidosis, renal tubular acidosis, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis,
acetazolamide and salicylates
- understand and calculate the anion gap and the significance of hyperchloraemia and hypochloraemia in
metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis
- understand the major causes including salicylates
44
Compensation
- understand how primary and compensatory changes are distinguished by blood gas, and urea and electrolyte
analysis
Therapy
- understand the principles and the dangers
LIPIDS
Main topics: Physiology, epidemiology, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia
Physiology
- understand the metabolism of the major lipoproteins of serum
- understand the role of the major lipoproteins, circulating lipoprotein enzymes and lipoprotein receptors
- understand triglyceride metabolism
- understand cholesterol metabolism
- understand the VLDL LDL link between the two
Epidemiology
- understand the relationships between cholesterol, atherosclerosis and other factors including smoking and
hyperhomocysteinaemia
Hypercholesterolaemia
- understand the major causes, modes of clinical presentation, consequences, investigations and treatment
Hypertriglyceridaemia
- understand the major causes, modes of clinical investigation, consequences, investigations and treatment.
45
Clinical Pathology Handbook Medical Microbiology
CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
This tabulated curriculum provides a guide to the standard required: a student who shows several significant gaps in
knowledge in the areas “in depth knowledge” and “familiarity” categories (these include the core topics) would be
unlikely to pass. A student who lacks gaps in these areas and demonstrates a good level of understanding of this
knowledge, and shows some knowledge of several areas in “passing knowledge” and “heard of” categories, would be
in the running for a distinction. The course aims to build a clinical perspective on to the scientific basis of micro-
organisms and infection, and on to the practical experience you gained of manipulating micro-organisms, in the pre-
clinical course. The tabulated Core Curriculum in Microbiology includes those areas of the syllabus that were mainly
covered in the pre-clinical course. We have little time to review these areas during the Block Course, but we remind
you of such information when it is vital to understanding of the new material.
Textbooks in microbiology rapidly go out of date, and many on the market are:
• too detailed and advanced, and/or
• too focussed on laboratory aspects of micro-organisms, and/or
• too focussed on clinical aspects of patient management.
Hence, we provide handouts for most lectures and symposia in the Microbiology course. Our handouts in
microbiology are aimed to present the necessary information in a way that will be of practical use to you when you
are house staff dealing with patients. Such core information is sometimes boxed or highlighted to make it clearer.
Extra information appears as smaller font text: this may be about less common infections, drugs or syndromes, or
may cover the scientific or patho-physiological background to infectious diseases. Many of our handouts also give
references to recent reviews or primary publications in the medical literature, and occasionally web-based resources -
these are recommended to students who wish to read further, at distinction standard.
The well-rounded student will be able at the end of the course to view their microbiological knowledge from several
perspectives: for example, the questions:
• which micro-organisms commonly cause wound infection?
• which infections are commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus?
• which antibiotics are often used to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections?
• name some infections commonly treated with flucloxacillin.
• which antibiotics are often used to treat IV catheter infections?
all draw on the same closely-related fund of knowledge.
LECTURES
In microbiology, we cover most (but not all) the topics in the “in depth knowledge” and “familiarity” sections of the core
curriculum during the lectures and tutorials.
TUTORIALS
In microbiology these are usually case-based, and we encourage a high degree of student participation. They are
usually based on written details of cases, which are therefore similar in format to the Data Handling questions in the
final examination. The aims are for students to involve themselves in the management of real cases, to see the
impact of their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, and to appreciate the interaction of the microbiology laboratory
with clinical services in and out of hospital.
Please read the relevant lecture notes and look at the appropriate CBL resources before the sessions - it is a waste
of resources if these sessions have to become mini-lectures because of lack of preparation on the part of the
participants! Because of time limitations elsewhere in the course, some new primary knowledge is introduced during
these sessions. We do not have enough staff to allocate a single tutor to groups of students throughout their course,
and students may have the same broad subjects covered by a bacteriologist or a virologist.
46
CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Relative importance Use of the laboratory in diagnosis Prevention of infection Clinical syndromes
In depth knowledge TAKING SAMPLES: Immunisation: Common causes, rational investigation

Value of clinical details. H. influenzae type b (Hib) and empirical treatment of:
{You will need an in-depth Confidentiality, safety. Direct Pneumococcus
knowledge, and be able to microscopy. Tetanus Septicaemia.
integrate pathogenesis, rubella Meningitis.
epidemiology, treatment, PRINCIPLES OF CULTURE Measles UTI.
and prevention of infections, (bacterial & viral): Blood, CSF. Hepatitis B Cellulitis, Surgical & traumatic wound
with clinical manifestations Urine, Faeces. Bacterial swabs. infection.
and rational laboratory Viral throat swabs. Antibiotic prophylaxis for Infection of IV catheters & prostheses.
investigation. Clean + prosthetic surgery, Rashes.
Interpretation of common Gut surgery, Pneumonia (including atypical
i.e. you will be expected to reports: significance of isolates, Endocarditis, and pneumonia)
answer questions on these choice of further investigations, Meningitis. Hepatitis.
topics} guidance of empirical and Diarrhoea.
definitive antimicrobial Infection control principles: Neonatal infection
therapy;and infection control Isolation, Handwashing. Rash & fever in pregnancy.
significance of results. Asepsis. Post-delivery & congenital infection.
Avoidance of needlestick
injuries.
Familiarity Relative speed, reliability, costs Immunisation: Osteomyelitis & septic arthritis.
of microbiological tests. Diphtheria Sinusitis & Otitis media.
{You will need to be Hepatitis A Sore throat.
conversant with these Mycobacterium tuberculosis Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis.
subjects, and understand (BCG) Aspiration pneumonia.
the principles of SARS
pathogenesis (etc.) as Principles of management of Hospital-acquired pneumonia.
above. needlestick injuries (HIV). Lung abscess & Empyema.
Cholangitis, Peritonitis.
i.e. you may also get Fever & diarrhoea in the returning
questions on these topics.} Antibiotic and immunisation traveller.
prophylaxis after splenectomy. Fever, rash, pneumonia, meningitis &
diarrhoea in the immuno-compromised &
HIV.
Passing knowledge Nucleic acid-based diagnosis. Antiseptics & disinfectants. Conjunctivitis.

Electron microscopy. Autoclaves. Bites.
{You will need to Dental sepsis.
understand just the major Principles of agglutination tests & Other immunizations: Polio, Otitis externa.
principles of these topics: ELISA. Pertussis. Typhoid & Cholera. Typhoid
for example, give one use Toxin-mediated food poisoning
for each antibiotic, or when Chemoprophylaxis of TB,
each organism may be Evidence base for common malaria. Possible bioterrorism clinical
relevant in differential testing strategies (eg value of presentations
diagnosis} throat swab before treating sore Use of immunoglobulins in
throat or MSU before treating therapy & prophylaxis.
cystitis); cost effectiveness
principles.
Other prophylaxis:
Immunocompromised patients,
Concept of pre-and post-test UTI
probability of diagnosis.
Heard of Principles of CFT & PCR. Operating theatre design. Endophthalmitis.

Infective & reactive arthritis
Rabies immunization. Diabetic foot infections.
Methods for typing of bacteria, Tropical sprue, Whipples.
viruses. Neutropenic & Neonatal enterocolitis.
Epiglottitis
47
Relative importance Antimicrobial agents Organ systems Micro-organisms
In depth knowledge 1-2 pharmacokinetic facts, 2-3 major Infections of: Basic bacteriology of (eg know Gram stain
uses and 1-2 major side effects of each: CSF. reaction, rod/coccus/spiral, facultative
{You will need an in- Penicillins (ordinary, broader-spectrum Lungs. aerobe/anaerobe, common diseases caused by,
depth knowledge, and be groups plus flucloxacillin). Upper respiratory tract. virulence factors of, 2-3 antibiotics commonly
able to integrate Cephalosporins (oral, parenteral, GIT. used to treat):
pathogenesis, broad-spectrum groups; 1-2 from Bladder.
epidemiology, treatment, each). Kidney. Staph aureus, epidermidis, saprophyticus.
and prevention of Gentamicin. Genitalia. Strep. pyogenes.
infections, with clinical Ciprofloxacin. Endocarditis. Strep. pneumoniae.
manifestations and Erythromycin, clarithromycin. Skin & soft tissues. Lancefield gp. B streps.
rational laboratory Vancomycin. Lymphadenopathy. Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
investigation. Metronidazole. Clostridium perfringens & tetani
Aciclovir, ganciclovir, 2-3 antibiotics frequently used for Neisseria meningitidis + gonorrhoeae.
i.e. you will be expected to infections of each of the above E coli.
answer questions on these Current resistance problems (MRSA, systems. Campylobacter.
topics} pneumococci, MDRTB, VRE) Shigella.
Non-typhi Salmonella.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Hepatitis A, B, C.
HSV, HVZ, CMV, EBV.
Rubella.
HIV.
Toxoplasma, Chlamydia,
Familiarity Penicillins (other groups). Principles of viral (eg HIV, Herpes viruses)
Trimethoprim. and bacterial replication.
{You will need to be Norfloxacin.
conversant with these Very basic bacteriology of (eg know some of
subjects, and understand the Fluconazole Gram stain reaction, rod/coccus/spiral,
principles of pathogenesis facultative aerobe/anaerobe, common diseases
(etc.) as above. Principles of susceptibility testing. caused by, 1 antibiotic commonly used to
treat):
i.e. you may also get
questions on these topics.} Importance of monitoring of Salmonella typhi
gentamicin and vancomycin serum Viridans and group D streptococci
concentrations. Clostridium difficile, Bacteroides fragilis.
Legionella.
Principles of anti-HIV therapeutics. Candida.
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba
histolytica.
Plasmodium (Malaria).
Parvovirus, Enteroviruses incl. polio.
Rabies
Novoviruses/SRSV/Norwalk etc.
Passing knowledge Antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Eye. Vibrio.

Cephalosporins (long half-life, broad- Brain. Bacillus anthracis & cereus
{You will need to spectrum oral groups). Cystic fibrosis. Haemophilus.
understand just the major Tetracyclines Strep ‘milleri’
principles of these topics: Teicoplanin Helicobacter.
for example, give one use Synercid, Linezolid. Treponema.
for each antibiotic, or when Rifampicin. Borellia (Lyme disease).
each organism may be Fusidic acid. Clostridium botulinum.
relevant in differential Chloramphenicol. Listeria.
diagnosis} Nitrofurantoin. Leptospira.
Isoniazid, Ethambutol Non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
Amphotericin. Aspergillus.
Nystatin. Cryptococcus.
Famciclovir, valaciclovir, foscarnet. Enterobius vermicularis.
Coxiella.
Heard of
Mupirocin Brucella.
Azithromycin Moraxella. Yersinia, Aeromonas.
Netilmicin, amikacin Fusobacterium.
Sulphonamides Rickettsia.
Flucytosine, griseofulvin, terbinafine, Leishmania, Trypanosoma.
voriconazole, caspofungin. Toxocara, Taenia, Trichuris, Hookworms.
Mebendazole, Antimalarials. Ascaris, Strongyloides, Schistosoma.
Microsporidia, Cyclospora.
48
Relative importance Epidemiology Mechanisms of pathogenicity
In depth knowledge Principles of commensalism and Principles of toxigenicity,

pathogenicity. adhesion, invasion.
{You will need an in-depth Understand principles of reservoirs,
knowledge, and be able to routes and portals of infection. Principles of host defence.
integrate pathogenesis,
epidemiology, treatment, Concept of herd immunity. Primary, sometime, opportunist &
and prevention of Principles of vaccination strategies. latent pathogens.
infections, with clinical
manifestations and rational
laboratory investigation.
i.e. you will be expected to

answer questions on these
topics
Familiarity Sources, reservoirs, routes of Principles of mechanisms of

transmission, & principles of control disease caused by:
{You will need to be of common outbreaks in and out of
conversant with these hospital. Staphs, Streps,
subjects, and understand the E. coli (EIEC, VTEC, ETEC,
principles of pathogenesis Normal flora of important body sites uropathogenic)
(etc.) as above. (eg 2-3 organisms found in mouth,
throat, nose, gut, skin).
i.e. you may also get Splenectomy & infection.
questions on these topics.} Neutropenia & infection.
Passing knowledge Examples of practical uses for typing Principles of mechanisms of

of bacteria and viruses diseases caused by: Salmonella,
{You will need to understand Shigella, V. cholerae.
just the major principles of
these topics: for example, Glycocalyx as a virulence factor.
give one use for each
antibiotic, or when each Endotoxaemia.
organism may be relevant in
differential diagnosis}
Heard of
49
Clinical Pathology Handbook Haematology
CURRICULUM IN HAEMATOLOGY
Relative Anaemia White cells/platelets

Importance
In depth Bone marrow function Symptoms and signs of Symptoms and signs of
anaemia neutropenia
Structure and function normal
bone marrow and blood cells Causes of anaemia Symptoms and signs of
Clonal and reactive thrombocytopenia or
proliferation Laboratory investigation of abnormalities of function
anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia
Causes of microcytosis
Megaloblastic anaemia
Causes of macrocytosis
Familiarity Haemolysis Main causes of neutropenia
Thalassaemia and sickle cell Management neutropenia

anaemia sepsis
Anaemia of chronic disease Investigation of

thrombocytopenia
Main causes of
thombocytopenia – immune,
viral + drug induced
Passing Control of haematopoiesis Aplastic anaemia

knowledge
Heard of Hereditary cytopenias
50
Relative Myeloproliferative
Bleeding disorders Thrombophilia
Importance disorders
In depth Normal clotting system - Patient risk groups for Classification:
thrombosis Polycythaemia, essential
Basic coagulation tests – PT, thrombocythaemia,
APTT Primary and secondary myelofibrosis, chronic
Fibrinogen prevention of venous and myeloid leukaemia
arterial thrombosis
Clinical presentation of different Differentiation of clonal
types of bleeding disorders Anticoagulant therapy – heparin, disorders from reactive
warfarin. Mode of action, processes: eg secondary
Haemophilia A + B and von administration, monitoring, polycythaemia – hypoxia,
Willibrand’s disease – complications and their thrombocytosis - infection
presentation and clinical management inflammation, malignancy by
manifestations clinical history, examination
and laboratory investigations
Inheritance
Familiarity Laboratory investigations and Inherited thrombophilias Polycythaemia rubra vera
principles of therapy in Protein C,S Antithrombin and essential
haemophilias. Prognosis and Factor V Leiden prothrombin thrombocythaemia therapy
complications of therapy mutations and prognosis
Disseminated intravascular Lupus anticoagulant Chronic myeloid leukaemia

coagulation and myelofibrosis – clinical
Laboratory investigations of and laboratory findings
thrombophilia Clinical course and therapy
Passing Molecular basis of bleeding Molecular basis of Relative polycythaemia

knowledge disorders thrombophilias
Cytogenetic and molecular
findings in CML
Heard of TTP/HUS
51
Relative
Paraproteinaemia Leukaemia Lymphoma
Importance
In depth Myeloma – clinical, radiological Classification into acute or chronic Clinical presentation
and laboratory findings and lymphoid or myeloid (AML, Staging
ALL, CML, CLL)
Prognosis and treatment
Clinical and laboratory
Monoclonal gammopathy of presentation
uncertain significance
Familiarity Epidemiology. Management strategies
Treatment strategies – Clinical course

observation to single agent or
combination chemotherapy.
Supportive care
Prognosis
Myelodysplasia
Passing Waldenstrom’s Prognostic features in acute

knowledge macroglobulinaemia leukaemia in particular
cytogenetic abnormalities
Heard of Bone marrow/stem cell

transplantation
52
Relative
Importance Transfusion Medicine
In depth Red cell transfusion - safe and optimal use of
blood
Red cell antigens ABO Rhesus D

Compatibility testing
Transfusion reactions, recognition, prevention

and management
Familiarity Blood components – FFP,

Cryoprecipitate and platelets
Risks and prevention of transmission of infection

including donor issues
Strategies to avoid exposure to donor blood
Massive transfusion
Issues around vCJD and transfusion
Passing Albumin
knowledge
Heard of Red cell substitutes
Virus inactivation of red cells, platelets and FFP
Therapeutic apheresis
53
Clinical Pathology Handbook Clinical Immunology
CURRICULUM IN CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
Relative Immunopathology of the Immune Deficiency

Importance Autoimmune Diseases Syndromes
In-depth systemic: immunopathogenesis of HIV

Knowledge rheumatoid arthritis infection
SLE
scleroderma/CREST inherited and acquired
Sjogren’s syndrome hypogammaglobulinaemia
organ specific: complement deficiencies

diabetes (IDDM)
thyroiditis consequences of
chronic gastritis splenectomy
adrenalitis
myasthenia gravis neutrophil dysfunction
syndromes
DiGeorge syndrome
inherited severe combined

immunity deficiencies
Familiarity glomerulonephritis* development and neonatal

immunity
vasculitis* immunological consequences

of immunosuppression
Passing Knowledge autoimmune liver disease
pemphigus & pemphigoid principles of immuno-therapy

& reconstitution
autoimmune neuropathies
polymyositis
*histopathological aspects of these diseases can be found in the Histopathology Curriculum
54
Clinical Pathology Handbook Medical Genetics
CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL GENETICS
The parts of the core curriculum which are particularly addressed in the Clinical Pathology Block Course are marked
with an asterisk. Other parts are covered in Phase III.
1. Be able to construct a family pedigree.
2. *Be able to determine from a family pedigree the most likely mode(s) of inheritance.
3. *Appreciate the implications of a genetic diagnosis for patients, offspring and relatives.
4. Be aware of the anxieties caused by genetic disorders to patients and their relatives.
5. Be familiar with sources of information about genetic diseases and be aware of common genetic disorders (eg
Cystic Fibrosis) and common inherited cancer susceptibility syndromes (eg HNPCC, FAP, BRCA).
6. Be aware of the function and organisation of genetic services and how to make referrals.
7. *Understand the importance of establishing a specific genetic diagnosis.
8. *Understand the general approaches to determining the genetic status of relatives.
9. *Appreciate the complexity of genetic disease and the pitfalls of determining genetic risks.
10. *Be aware of the range of genetic investigations available and their limitations.
11. *Be able to interpret molecular genetic and cytogenetic laboratory reports.
12. Understand the principles of non-directive counselling.
13. Know about reproductive options and general approaches to prenatal diagnosis.
14. *Understand the principles of multifactorial inheritance and their relevance to common diseases.
15. Appreciate the ethical and social aspects of medical genetics, particularly with regard to genetic testing (including
presymptomatic diagnosis and the testing of children).
55
Clinical Pathology Handbook Questions
SPECIMEN FORMATS OF MCQs

1) True/False Response Questions (TFRQ)
The scoring system is: +1 for a correct response; 0 for an incorrect response; 0 for no response.
The following are commoner in Crohn’s disease than in ulcerative colits:

a. crypt abscesses in the bowel mucosa (F)
b. pseudopolyps in the bowel lumen (F)
c. the development of carcinoma as a complication (F)
d. bowel obstruction as a complication (T)
e. involvement of the submucosa and deeper layers (T)
2) One-from-five Multiple Choice Questions (1:5 MCQ)

The scoring system is: +1 for a correct response; 0 for an incorrect response; 0 for no response.
During the 24 hours before the Pathology exam, the wise medical student:
a. decides it’s really time to buy a pathology textbook of my own
b. looks at the computer based learning programs for the first time
c. brings out his or her seventh colour of highlighter to complete the rainbow of scholarship
d. complains “I never had enough time to look through all this stuff”
e. says “I can’t know it all, I don’t need to know it all”, and gets a good night’s sleep
Answer: e
3) Extended Matching Questions (EMQ)
For each of the following clinico-pathological histories, select the single most closely matching response from the list
of 12 options below (options A to L). Please note that each option may be used once, more than once or not at all when
selecting the most closely matching answer to each of the 4 histories.
The scoring system is: +1 for a correct response, 0 for an incorrect response, 0 for no response.
A. Adenocarcinoma B. Carcinoid tumour C. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis D. Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer
E. Leiomyoma F. Peptic Ulceration G. Metastatic Tumour H. Lymphoma
I. Leiomyosarcoma J. Squamous Cell Carcinoma K. Tubular Adenoma L. Villous Adenoma
1. A 68-year-old male has a routine check-up with his General Practitioner. The patient is found to have a stool
specimen positive for occult blood. Next, a colonoscopy is performed and there is a 4cm diameter sessile mass in
the rectum, 15cm above the anal verge. The mass is resected at laparotomy and reveals elongated colonic glands
forming finger-like projections, lined by crowded columnar cells with hyperchromatic, pleomorphic nuclei. These
cells have not moved through the basement membrane.
2. A 69-year-old male has a 16-year history of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. He has had increased difficulty with
swallowing for the past 3 months. An upper endoscopy reveals an irregular, hard area of mucosal ulceration and
nodularity 2cm in the lower third of the oesophagus, just above the gastro-oesophageal junction. A biopsy is taken
and histopathological analysis shows irregular small clusters of epithelial cells with pleomorphic nuclei in the
submucosa. No lesions are present in the stomach.
3. A 77-year-old female describes tenesmus and seeing fresh red blood on the surface of her stools. Proctoscopy
reveals a 3.9cm craggy, ulcerated mass, located 5cm from the anal verge. A biopsy of the mass shows solid sheets
and clusters of epithelial cells with pleomorphic nuclei within both the mucosa and submucosa, with some of these
clusters containing central whorls of eosinophilic protein with surrounding prickle cells.
4. A 63-year-old female complains of epigastric pain between meals. An upper GI endoscopy reveals a 2.7cm
ulcerated area with “punched out” edges, situated on the lesser curve of the stomach. Two biopsies are taken, one
from the centre and one from the edge of the lesion. The histopathological report describes one biopsy showing a
moderate infiltrate of lymphocytes in the mucosal lamina propria, a mild infiltrate of neutrophils crossing glandular
epithelium, architectural distortion of glands, focally some nuclear atypia of glandular epithelium and the presence of
Helicobacter pylori organisms. The other biopsy is reported as showing necrotic material with a fibrino-purulent
exudate, but no viable tissue.
CORRECT RESPONSES: Q1=L, Q2=A, Q3=J, Q4=F.
56

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UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

SCHOOL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

THE COURSE .................................................................................................................................... 3

CURRICULUM IN HISTOPATHOLOGY ............................................................................................................................ 12

CURRICULUM IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 27

CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 46

CURRICULUM IN HAEMATOLOGY .................................................................................................................................. 50

CURRICULUM IN CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 54

CURRICULUM IN MEDICAL GENETICS...............................………….......…….........................................................55

EXAMPLES OF MPOQ EXAM QUESTIONS…………………………………………………………………………………

On successful completion of the Course the student will be able to:

* Describe the aetiology and pathogenesis of clinically important disease processes.

* Explain the mechanisms by which clinical manifestations of diseases arise.

* State the principal complications and sequelae of disease processes.

* Understand the limitations of diagnostic investigations.

* Appreciate the haematological aspects of systemic disease.

* Develop an evidence-based approach to the study of clinical pathology.

More general aims of the course are:

* to give you guidance in personal study

The Course does NOT aim:

COMPUTER BASED LEARNING (CBL)

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

AUTOPSY ROOM TEACHING SESSIONS

INTERACTIVE LARGE GROUP TEACHING

CHANGES TO TIMETABLES OR TEACHING ARRANGEMENTS

For reference works, with the last word on:

STAFF - STUDENT CONSULTATIONS

DEPARTMENTAL TEACHING SECRETARY

[I] PRIZE EXAMINATION:

[II] FINAL MB EXAMINATIONS:

This examination has three main components:

(a) MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONNAIRE

AIM: To test understanding and knowledge of a very broad range of topics.

(b) ESSAY QUESTIONS

(c) PRACTICAL EXAM / DATA INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS

(d) VIVA VOCE EXAM:

HOW TO APPROACH THIS COURSE

• define the common terms used to describe or name disease processes.

• describe the clinical course of the disease and common complications.

Relative Heart Blood Vessels Pulmonary Gastro-Intestinal Tract

"Heart Failure" Aortic dissection Lung Tumours Inflammatory bowel disease

Familiarity Myocarditis Vasculitis Lung abscess Benign gastric tumours

Pericarditis PAN Occupational lung Achalasia

Passing Cardiomyopathy Intestinal lymphomas,

Pancreas cancer Glomerulo-nephritis

Familiarity Haemochromat- Developmental Seronegative Infections Vulval

Renal artery Pseudogout.

Passing Acute fatty liver Gestational

Heard of Veno-occlusive Haemolytic uraemic

Passing Non-melanoma Mult. endocrine

Pituitary Organ trans-

Heard of Neonatal hepatitis Salivary gland Radiation injury

Diabetic vascular disease

Ischaemic heart disease

Hypertensive heart disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interstitial Lung Disease

Occupational Lung Disease

Main topics: benign lymphadenopathy, malignant lymphadenopathy

LIVER, BILIARY TREE AND PANCREAS

Main topics: hepatitis; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; pancreatic carcinoma

Hepatitis (with virology)

- be aware of the differing clinical outcomes of different forms of hepatitis

Nephritis and nephrosis